Ffion Jarvis
The internet is quick to come up with new dating 'red flags' and Labubus seem to be the latest on the list.
You would have definitely heard of the gremlin-looking dolls by now. Labubus have spiked lots of attention online due to their extremely bizarre faces.
Their appearance combines disturbing and cute with their pointy ears, furry bright coloured bodies and sharp teeth.
Despite this, people are still going crazy about Labubus worldwide. They have gained a lot of attention in viral TikTok videos, with the hashtag having over two million posts on the app.
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Although some Labubu owners have been burning them, others have spent a staggering amount of money - and effort - in an attempt to secure their desired toy.
However, it seems controversy around the Labubu collection can be considered a 'red flag' in the world of dating when it comes to adults' interests and authenticity in the digital world.
Clinical psychologist Tracy King suggested that the action of collecting these little toys could be a reflection of dealing with the daily challenges of life.
For Gen Z, collecting Labubus could feel like a small accomplishment. This makes up for 'normal' milestones of life seeming way out of reach, King noted.
And while the collecting hobby may seem childish to some, it could actually be a chance for people to nostalgically reflect on childhood memories of their favourite toys.
However, according to a relationship expert, some people may view collecting and owning the Labubus as a 'red flag' due to several reasons...
Speaking to Vice, Dr Mindy DeSeta, of the Hily dating app, said: “Labubus are often misunderstood and quickly labelled as ‘dolls,’ which can spark subconscious judgments about a person’s maturity and life priorities.
“In the dating world, first impressions are powerful, and the accessories you choose can send signals - intended or not - about who you are.”
Noting that 'our instincts still play a role in partner selection', the expert warned that 'hints at immaturity can become a subtle red flag'.
Labubus gained attention on social media following viral videos and celebrity endorsements. Both of these elements can play a big role in persuading people to hop onto the trend.
“If your date sees Labubu on your bag, they might wonder if you make choices based on trends rather than your own values,” the psychologist said. “This can raise concerns about your authenticity and whether you’ll jump on every bandwagon that comes along.”
The collectable nature has created a secondary market where some items can cost hundreds of dollars.
“Financial habits are a big deal in dating, even early on,” Dr DeSeta said, before adding: “Dropping serious cash on collectable keychains can signal to your date that you might be financially impulsive or irresponsible.”
She noted: “Your date could worry about your priorities and whether you manage money wisely.”
While the culture around collecting rare versions of the toy and displaying them on designer bags 'can be fun', it could radiate 'high maintenance' and 'superficiality' to some people, the expert warned.
Dr DeSeta added: “This could make your date question whether you’re relationship material or just someone who needs to be constantly impressed.”
Some collectors of the doll spend their free time fighting to get to the start of PopMart queues so they can get their hands on the latest version.
This can raise worries about the person's emotional availability and life priorities, according to Dr DeSeta.
She explained: “If your date finds out you spent hours waiting in line or obsessively refreshing websites for a blind box, they might be put off. Devoting so much effort to a trend could raise questions about your priorities and emotional availability.”
At the end of the day, it's about what makes you happy so if you enjoy collecting Labubus, keep doing you!