In the fast-paced modern society, young people's hobbies are colorful and constantly changing. Recently, a unique hobby, raising stones, has quietly emerged among young people and has become an eye-catching trend. The data shows that in the past month, the popularity of pet stones on Taobao has been rising, and the sales volume in August increased by 246% year-on-year, ranking on Taobao hot search. In addition to the pet stone itself, it even extends to the "pet peripherals", such as water milk, clothing, nests, etc.
Open social media platforms, and the topic of raising stones remains hot. Young people have posted photos of the stones they raise, sharing their experiences and stories of raising stones. Under these topics, the comment section is lively and full of all kinds of interesting interactions. There are more than 70,000 notes related to pet stones on the Xiaohongshu App, and more than 10 million views of related topics on the Douyin App.
"I picked up a super beautiful stone today, the texture is like a landscape painting!" On the Xiaohongshu App, netizen Xiao Li posted his new favorite - a pebble with a beautiful pattern. In just half a day, many netizens gathered under the post, and everyone posted their pet stones, and even hats, clothes, gloves and other supporting items made by themselves. "I made a small cabin for my stone baby, and I feel that it is very happy to live in." Below this post, there are many likes and comments.
Raising stones is like exploring an unknown little universe, and each stone has its own unique personality and story. 20-year-old Miss Li works in a bubble tea shop, goes out early and returns late every day, and recently became obsessed with raising stones, chatting with her "Qin Shihuang" every day after work, "The pressure of work is too great, and raising stones has allowed me to find a way to relax." Every day when I get home from work and look at the stones I raised, my mood will improve. And it doesn't take much time and effort to raise stones, which is very suitable for busy people like me. Miss Li told reporters that this year, many young people around her have begun to raise all kinds of strange "pets", and some have even set up corresponding conservation exchange groups to exchange experience in raising stones, share the source of stones and identification methods. "I picked up this stone by the sea, can you help me see what kind of stone it is?" "My stone has been raised for a while, and the color has become more vivid, do you have such a situation?" The discussion in the group was full of energy and enthusiasm.
For Ms. Li, raising stones is not only a hobby, but also a way to connect with nature. In the process of searching for stones, it is possible to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature. At the same time, raising stones also requires patience and concentration, such as cleaning the stones and observing the changes of the stones, which can allow her to calm down and focus on one thing in an impetuous society. In addition to relieving stress and connecting with nature, raising stones also has a certain aesthetic value. Xiao Zhang, a 28-year-old designer, said: "The shape, color, and texture of the stone are very unique, and they have high artistic value. I like to place stones in my home as an ornament to make my home more warm and artistic. ”
The anthropomorphic and budding communication and companionship of inanimate stones is a substitute for high-quality, real interpersonal companionship, and also a manifestation of young people's inner dialogue and self-nourishment. Qin Xiaoshan, a registered psychologist of the Chinese Psychological Society, said that people are looking for a simple and pure emotional sustenance on the stone, hoping to find a small world of their own in this world where virtual and reality are intertwined. In the process of raising stones, young people can also cultivate their patience and concentration, and improve their psychological quality. In addition, young people make stones their "pets" by naming them, drawing expressions, making costumes, and making nests. This process of creative expression is not only fun, but also gives young people a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
(Su Bao financial media reporter Yan Song, Li Xunpeng, text/photo)
Editor: Jin Ran