Why are people compelled to follow trends? Something blows up one day, and the next, it’s all over the internet. All it takes for something to become popular is one person. An influencer poses with a product, and the next second, it’s flying off the shelves. Products can become popular even years after they’ve initially been released, as in the case of things like Labubus.

Artist Kasing Lung initially created and designed Labubus in 2015 as characters in his illustrated book series, “The Monsters”, in which they’re portrayed as a tribe of female elves. Popmart started selling them as collectible figurines in 2019, but their popularity soared in April 2024 after K-pop star Lisa began posting videos featuring Labubus on her Instagram account. Other celebrities continued to perpetuate the trend as 2024 progressed, with Labubus remaining popular to this day.

Not everyone has supported Labubus’ rise to prominence. Just like all trends, Labubus face aversion. While some have embraced the trend, many have rejected it. 

​“Labubus are really expensive and they don’t even look that good,” GCHS freshman Elizabeth Walker said, after learning of their existence from her younger sibling. 

​Like Walker, others agree. 

“Labubus aren’t great for the economy because they’re just a fad and they’re being overproduced,” said GCHS freshman Amelie Simcoe. “People are going to get rid of them after the trend fades, and when they get rid of them, there’s going to be a lot of waste that harms the environment.”

It only took one person to decide that Labubus were cool and to initially start the trend. One voice shared their views online, 

and others began to catch on, starting the trend.  However, it also only took one voice to retaliate against the trend that 

caused others to abruptly change their mind about Labubus. 

Ultimately, the reason why people are compelled to follow trends is closely related to our need to be accepted by others. 

People buy certain products or follow specific trends to assimilate with society. Our need for belonging drives products like

Labubus to become viral and shapes consumer culture.