Labubus are trying to steal your soul

Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for a trinket. But I might have to draw the line at Labubu. 

These “cute” (creepy) monsters that are a mix of a plush doll, a bag charm, and a collectible have become extremely popular in the last two months. Seriously, they’re everywhere. Originally storybook characters created by Artist Kasing Lung, who signed a deal with PopMart in 2019 to bring the creatures to life, Labubus are now fashion staples owned by the likes of Rihanna and Blackpink’s Lisa.

Combine this celebrity attention with TikTok’s fast-paced feed of content pushing out the already popular concept of “blind box unboxings”, and we have a viral trend on our hands. 

“I love the joy of Labubu. I love that they are hard to find. I love it when you see someone else with one out in the street. It brings a smile to my face.” – Harry Lambert, celebrity fashion stylist 

But are Labubu’s just a viral trend, or are they something more? 

Some people have tried to link Labubu to an ancient demon named Pazuzu, but I think the true source of Labubu’s soul-sucking agenda lies deeper. They might not be a portal to hell or a modern-day Annabelle, but they do represent our end-stage capitalism and over-consumerist society. They also reflect our unoriginality and lack of self-identity.

Seriously, are we really buying these things just because Rihanna stepped outside with one?

But, ultimately, they’re an example of the hold TikTok and all forms of technology that push out content have on our lives. All you have to do is search “Labubu” on TikTok, and you’re inundated with hundreds of videos of content creators buying boxes of them. And as you scroll, and scroll, and scroll, you find yourself realising you actually want one of these ugly things.

I’ve fallen for TikTok trends firsthand. I even almost bought one of these guys myself. 

But you don’t actually want a Labubu (and you definitely don’t want three boxes of them), you just think you do. And that’s not entirely your fault. TikTok has drip-fed you content to the point that you’ve been brainwashed into believing you truly do want to spend an extortionate amount of money on one of these ugly status symbols. And let’s be honest, that’s all they are.

But please think twice before succumbing to your TikTok algorithm. Don’t become a brainwashed, unoriginal sheep. Your soul is worth more than a plastic goblin with lifeless eyes and a creepy smile.