Youth are increasingly raising moss instead of children and pets

In China, a new trend has emerged where young city dwellers are growing moss on ordinary bricks and considering it a pet that is cheaper and requires less maintenance than traditional pets. This unusual hobby has gained popularity on social media platforms such as Weibo and Xiaohongshu, where many young people are sharing photos of their moss 'pets'.

The trend of growing moss reflects the changing values and priorities of young people in China, who are increasingly seeking comfort and companionship in their daily lives amidst difficulties in the labor market and fatigue from competition. This phenomenon matters for social commerce as it highlights the power of social media platforms in shaping and amplifying new trends and hobbies, potentially creating new opportunities for e-commerce and social shopping.