China‘s Gen Z Overconsumption
The Story
It all started with a excuse.
I bought the bag because I wanted to feel confident.
At that time, everyone around me seemed to own something expensive, something that could prove their taste, lifestyle, or social status. I thought if I had that luxury bag, I would look more successful, more fashionable, and more like the person I wanted to become.
But I did not have enough money, so I chose to pay first and worry later.
At the beginning, I told myself it was not a big deal.
I could save money, eat cheaper meals, and slowly pay it back. But the debt grew heavier than I expected.
I started living on instant noodles.
I stopped going out with friends. Every time I looked at the bags, I no longer felt proud. I felt anxious. The object that was supposed to make me feel beautiful slowly became a reminder of everything I could not afford.
Disappearance
When I could no longer manage the debt, I felt trapped.
In the end, I entered nightlife spaces and drank with customers to earn money quickly.
It was not the life I imagined for myself, but I felt I had no other choice at that moment.
