Labubu baby craze! Experts draw attention to the danger

Dr. Zuhal Doğan Bektaş, a lecturer from the Department of Psychiatry, made an assessment of the interest in Labubu figures and the reasons for it.

'IT REVEALS THE SPIRITUAL NEEDS OF INDIVIDUALS'

Doğan Bektaş stated that today's consumption behaviors shaped by social media dynamics mirror not only the aesthetic preferences of individuals but also their psychological makeup, adding, "The intense interest in high-priced collectibles, such as Labubu figures, reveals the power of popular culture on one hand, and the spiritual needs of individuals on the other."

'COLLECTING CAN BECOME PATHOLOGICAL'

Dr. Bektaş, a lecturer, warned that uncontrolled acquisition of these figures can sometimes develop into a form of 'collecting' behavior on the obsessive-compulsive spectrum. He stated, "While collecting isn't a symptom of psychopathology on its own, it becomes pathological when it reaches a level where it impairs functionality. Behind the desire for possession may lie feelings of inner emptiness, anxiety, unfulfilled childhood needs, or an attempt to construct self-worth through objects. Such behaviors may be a manifestation of the tendency to 'regulate self-worth with external objects,' sometimes seen in narcissistic structures. Figures, especially when displayed alongside branded products, can become tools that feed a person's desire for social approval. Here, we can speak of a fragile self that can say, 'I am here, I am valuable because I own this object.'"

'COLLECTING CAN BECOME PATHOLOGICAL'

Dr. Bektaş, a lecturer, warned that uncontrolled acquisition of these figures can sometimes develop into a form of 'collecting' behavior on the obsessive-compulsive spectrum. He stated, "While collecting isn't a symptom of psychopathology on its own, it becomes pathological when it reaches a level where it impairs functionality. Behind the desire for possession may lie feelings of inner emptiness, anxiety, unfulfilled childhood needs, or an attempt to construct self-worth through objects. Such behaviors may be a manifestation of the tendency to 'regulate self-worth with external objects,' sometimes seen in narcissistic structures. Figures, especially when displayed alongside branded products, can become tools that feed a person's desire for social approval. Here, we can speak of a fragile self that can say, 'I am here, I am valuable because I own this object.'"

'IT MAY PREPARE THE GROUND FOR SHOPPING ADDICTION'

Assessing the sales and marketing methods of Labubu figures, Dr. Lecturer Zuhal Doğan Bektaş stated that some of these figures were boxed, contained "surprise" content, or produced in limited numbers, and said:

The consumer engages in a shopping behavior where they don't know exactly what will happen each time, meaning they are subjected to variable-ratio reinforcement. According to behavioral psychology, variable-ratio reinforcement, like that found in slot machines, is one of the most powerful forms of learning in terms of developing addiction. Sometimes a very special figure appears, sometimes an ordinary one. This uncertainty and the possibility of acquiring something rare powerfully triggers the dopamine system, motivating repeated purchasing behavior. It's not surprising that this situation paves the way for shopping addiction. Shopping addiction (oniomania) is classified as an impulse control disorder and generally begins with a search for temporary relief, excitement, or satisfaction, but later leads to consequences such as guilt, regret, debt, and loss of social function.

SUCH TRENDS TRIGGER SOCIAL COMPARISON MECHANISMS

Dr. Lecturer warned that these trends, which are spread through influencers, who are defined as people who have their own follower base on social media and digital platforms and who have the power to influence these followers, trigger social comparison mechanisms. Member Bektaş stated, "Influencers' idealized lives reinforce individuals' feelings of 'inadequacy.' Individuals who attempt to cope with this feeling of inadequacy develop a psychological desire to 'be their equal' by trying to achieve what they possess. The notion that 'if I look like them, I'm valuable' is common among individuals with narcissistic vulnerability. From a Lacanian perspective, individuals internally hold an ideal self-image they strive to achieve. Social media serves as a stage for projecting this ideal self-image outward and demonstrating it to others. Influencers are seen as representations of the 'ideal self,' and their possessions (figures, clothes, aesthetic appearance) become tools for achieving this ideal. Embracing figures like Labubu may be an attempt to move one step closer to identifying with that ideal. This is aimed at satisfying an individual's narcissistic needs (approval, admiration, visibility)."

'SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT MAY AFFECT SOME PEOPLE MORE STRONGLY'

Dr. Bektaş, a lecturer, warned that not all of these behaviors are pathological, but they can become pathological depending on their intensity, continuity, loss of functionality, and impact on a person's psychosocial life. He said, "Social media content can have stronger effects on individuals with psychiatric conditions such as borderline personality structures, narcissistic defenses, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and mood disorders. For example, individuals who have difficulty controlling their emotions, focusing, or feeling inadequate can be more easily influenced by social media trends, influencer posts, and popular products. Individuals who struggle to cope with the desire for external approval, impulsivity, and feelings of emptiness may be more prone to behaviors like impulsive and impulsive shopping."

'IT MAY NEGATIVELY AFFECT CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS'

Dr. Zuhal Doğan Bektaş, a faculty member, noted that characters like Labubu figures, both cute and grotesque, can be confusing for children. She warned, "It's important for children to clearly distinguish between 'good' and 'bad' images during their emotional development. The cute yet frightening appearances of these figures can trigger anxiety, nightmares, and emotional turmoil, especially in developmentally vulnerable children. Furthermore, the widespread idealization of these figures on social media increases the pressure to possess in children and adolescents, creating the risk of forming identities based on material values at an early age."

IF INTEREST IN THESE TRENDS AFFECTS FUNCTIONALITY, BE CAREFUL

Dr. Bektaş, a lecturer, noted that interest in and behavior toward Labubu and similar figures cannot always be considered a sign of a psychiatric illness, adding, "However, if an individual is constantly spending time, money, and mental energy on these objects or trends, and their social relationships or functionality are being compromised, professional support should be sought. Especially if it's accompanied by shopping addiction, emotional eating, or social media addiction, psychiatric and psychotherapy processes can be quite effective."

DIGITAL DETOX IS RECOMMENDED

Addressing precautions that can be taken to protect against the negative effects of social media, Dr. Zuhal Doğan Bektaş said, "Social media use should be limited, digital detox processes should be supported, and alternative sources of pleasure such as art, sports, nature, and social relationships should be developed."

Dr. Lecturer Zuhal Doğan Bektaş concluded her remarks as follows:

"Ultimately, popular culture objects like Labubu figures are not just a trend; they can be a reflection of much deeper psychological processes within an individual's inner world. These behaviors, beyond a mere 'fashion,' are the manifestation of an individual's search for self, need for belonging, desire for approval, and sometimes even repressed emptiness."