The Labubu Unboxing Craze: Are Influencers Fueling Overconsumption?

Budapest, Hungary – The viral "Labubu unboxing" trend has taken social media by storm, captivating audiences with the mystery and excitement of opening blind box plush figures. However, one content creator, Sebestyén Janka, has voiced concerns about the trend's trajectory, particularly its amplification by online influencers.In a recent video, Janka acknowledged the inherent appeal of purchasing a single Labubu plush, where the thrill lies in discovering which unique design is inside. "I understand the hype, the trend," she stated. "It's cute, colorful, soft. It's exciting when you pick one and open it to see what color you get."However, she expressed strong reservations about the behavior of some influencers. "Then come the influencers, and just like they push a three-step skincare routine to thirty-five steps, they bring the Labubu unboxings by the dozens," Janka observed. She highlighted instances where influencers purchase large quantities, sometimes up to seventy figures, and then conduct giveaways, requiring viewers to follow and like their content. "They come and show that they have seventy of them," she noted.Janka argued that this excessive display and the use of giveaways contribute to a culture of overconsumption, making it seem normal or desirable to acquire large collections. She drew parallels to the "Sonny Angel" trend, suggesting a pattern of influencers pushing trends to an extreme. Her commentary raises important questions about the responsibility of influencers and the impact of their content on consumer behavior in the digital age.