Social media has been blown away by a new viral toy – Labubu from Pop Mart. Let’s take a look at why this toy is so appealing from a psychological point of view.
The “cute weirdness” effect.
Labubu combines two contradictory traits:
- Cuteness (big eyes, shapes that trigger our affection, like those of cats or babies).
- Slight eeriness (sharp teeth, unusual shape – this intrigues and arouses curiosity).
This mix creates cognitive dissonance – the brain cannot immediately decide whether it likes the object or not, and returns to it again and again.
Collecting as a way to reduce anxiety
Labubu figures are sold in blind boxes – you don’t know which one you’ll get. There are some super rare ones, like the gold or translucent.
This:
- Triggers excitement (the dopamine system demands “one more try”).
- Gives a sense of control in an unstable world (a collection is something stable and “yours”).
Social proof
“If everyone is buying Labubu, it must be cool.” The more often we see something in our feed (posts, reviews, photos of collections), the more we convince ourselves: “I need this too.” It’s important to be on trend.
Nostalgia for childhood
Many adults buy Labubu for themselves.
This is a way to:
- Rediscover the joy of simple things.
- Make up for a childhood they didn’t get to enjoy (if they didn’t have such cool toys back then).
Labubu isn’t just a toy, it’s a psychological phenomenon. Its popularity is based on conflicting emotions, social influence, and the need for comfort.
Interesting facts about Labubu
- Labubu first appeared in 2015 and quickly became one of the most popular monsters in the line.
- Despite its frightening appearance, it is considered a kind and mischievous creature.
- It is available in different colors and variations, including rare and collectible items. One of the most famous designs is “Labubu the Zombie,” which has become a cult favorite among fans.
- According to the author’s idea, Labubu is a forest spirit who likes to scare people but does not harm them. Some fans attribute magical properties to him, such as “attracting good luck” (but this is, of course, a joke).
Do you like these strange creatures?
Do you think the trend for them will last longer than Dubai chocolate?