What's the craze with Labubu or Sonny Angels?
Sonny Angel hippers on a laptop
The meteoric rise of blind box collectibles amongst Singaporean youths is hard to miss.
Whether it’s a quirky Sonny Angel hipper perched atop a laptop or a Labubu keychain dangling off a bag, these diverse accessories are absolutely everywhere.
But beneath their cute and colourful exteriors, the increasing popularity of these blind box collectibles uncovers a darker angle — revealing potentially unhealthy spending habits, and the pervasive influence of consumerist culture on our everyday lives.
What’s the Hype All About?
Blind box collectibles may seem like a modern craze, but the concept traces way back to Japan’s iconic gachapons, or capsule toy vending machines, from the 1960s.
The crux of the mechanism is simple: Pay a small price for a mystery surprise. Today, blind boxes — sold by popular brands like Pop Mart and Sanrio —- build on that same excitement. You pay a fixed price for a sealed package and unwrap it to dramatically reveal a mini figurine or charm from a series- though which variant you receive is always a mystery.
For students juggling schoolwork, co-curriculars, part-time jobs and everything in between, the activity of unboxing provides a fun, low stakes escape from the relentless grind of daily life.
Skullpanda figurines from blind box collectible brand Pop Mart.
But even beyond the alluring element of surprise, blind boxes have become a unique form of self-expression. Many of these collectibles are incredibly stylised, drawing inspiration from urban fashion and subcultures.
Take Skullpanda, for example — its edgy, goth-punk aesthetic and distinctive art style has made it a fan favourite among those who enjoy darker yet whimsical themes. For many, these figures aren’t just decorative toys, but rather have evolved to become an extension of personal style.
In societies like Singapore that generally place great emphasis on conformity, blind box collectibles exist as unique yet covert accessories that can showcase one's individuality.
The Darker Side of Blind Boxes
While blind boxes offer a fun escape, this trend also has a flip side: Beyond the excitement, overindulgence in these collectibles can foster harmful habits with complicated consequences.
A Dangerous Cycle of Spending
At its core, the appeal of blind box collectibles taps into our natural curiosity.
The psychological thrill of unpredictability brings a brief rush of dopamine, the chemical messenger in our brain associated with pleasure and excitement, with each reveal.
For students, this can serve as temporary stress relief and a quick break from the routine of classes and study. There is something inherently intriguing about not knowing what lies beyond the shiny plastic packaging — which is what makes these blind boxes so captivating, but potentially addictive.
Disconcertingly, under Singapore’s updated 2022 Gambling Control Act, blind boxes could potentially qualify as a form of gambling since they involve 'playing a game of chance' for a prize.
This is not entirely surprising — The fundamental mechanic of blind boxes feeds heavily into consumerist tendencies.
Many blind box series feature a wide range of designs and characters, and many buyers may find themselves making repeat-purchases in pursuit for “the one” figure that they desperately want.
This is further fuelled by the frequent accompaniment of elusive “secret” variants and limited-edition items that favours buyers who bulk-purchase blind boxes, as they are more likely to be rewarded given the increased rarity of these selections.
Labubu figurines from blind box collectible brand Pop Mart.
For us as students, many of whom already face tight budgets, this cycle can become particularly harmful.
At first, it can be easy to justify spending on something as small as a figurine, but the more blind boxes you buy, the more likely you are to be sucked into this trap of impulse spending, where every purchase of a blind box feels necessary to complete a collection.
And before you know it, you’re down a hundred dollars in the blink of an eye, still chasing down that one prized Labubu doll.
Moreover, studies conducted on loot box culture in online games, which operate on mechanisms similar to blind boxes, highlight the harmful potential of such activities. The enticing marketing and vibrant packaging of blind box collectibles can inadvertently normalise gambling-like behaviours.
Research conducted notably suggests a strong correlation between engaging in such practices and an increased risk of developing compulsive spending habits, addictions and gambling-related issues later down the road.
The Culture of Instant Gratification
This more sinister side of blind box culture also leans into a broader issue that plagues our generation: the growing obsession with instant gratification.
We live in an age where almost anything is available on demand, from food deliveries to streaming entertainment services just at the tap of a button. Blind boxes slot into that same mentality, offering a quick burst of excitement and satisfaction after each purchase.
But if we allow ourselves to fall victim, relentlessly chasing after these small, immediate pleasures, it can become easy to lose sight of long-term goals.
For us as students, this can manifest as a distraction from more meaningful pursuits. Instead of saving for future needs or focusing on personal growth, the desire to “collect them all” becomes a new priority.
The thrill of obtaining a new figurine may provide temporary happiness, but it does little to contribute to lasting fulfilment. It can even pull us away from deeper sources of joy, like spending time with those around us or working towards personal milestones.
Finding a Balance
Ultimately, the rise of blind box collectibles is about more than just cute figurines — it reflects how we, as youths and students, navigate both the fun and complexities of consumer culture in the modern age.
Blind boxes offer momentary escape, a way to personalise our spaces, and even a gateway into a passionate community that can add a touch of fun into our day.
But like all trends, it's crucial to approach them with awareness. It can be easy to get swept up in the flurry of excitement and fall into the temptation of unhealthy spending habits which bring mental and financial consequences.
Hence, in a world driven by consumerism, where instant gratification underlies so much of what we do, it is all the more essential to find a balance between indulging in these small pleasures while being more mindful and conscious about the way we consume.
Mofusand figurines.
So, go ahead and buy that Mofusand charm — just remember to keep one eye on your wallet and another on what really matters in the long run!
Comments