{"id":3724,"date":"2025-05-09T16:01:38","date_gmt":"2025-05-09T16:01:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2025\/?p=3724"},"modified":"2025-05-25T15:54:44","modified_gmt":"2025-05-25T15:54:44","slug":"duffy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2025\/duffy\/","title":{"rendered":"Duffy"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; fullwidth=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_enable_color=&#8221;off&#8221; background_image=&#8221;https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/\u80cc\u666f-1.jpg&#8221; sticky_position=&#8221;top&#8221; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_fullwidth_menu menu_id=&#8221;21&#8243; menu_style=&#8221;centered&#8221; active_link_color=&#8221;#776569&#8243; module_id=&#8221;main-header&#8221; module_class=&#8221;et-fixed-header&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; menu_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; background_enable_color=&#8221;off&#8221; background_enable_image=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_fullwidth_menu][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; fullwidth=&#8221;on&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Section&#8221; module_id=&#8221;home&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_enable_image=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax=&#8221;on&#8221; background_video_mp4=&#8221;https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/5a70c6b111be107bcae71d60174721453014917135.mp4&#8243; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=&#8221;Your Silent Confidants&#8221; subhead=&#8221;Young Adults\u2019 Emotional Bond to IP Plush Toys &#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; header_fullscreen=&#8221;on&#8221; header_scroll_down=&#8221;on&#8221; background_overlay_color=&#8221;rgba(73,73,73,0.42)&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; title_font=&#8221;Raleway|700||on|||||&#8221; title_font_size=&#8221;60px&#8221; content_text_align=&#8221;center&#8221; content_font_size=&#8221;17px&#8221; subhead_font=&#8221;Roboto||||||||&#8221; subhead_font_size=&#8221;30px&#8221; background_enable_color=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>By <span> Molly LIU Huanyi &amp; <\/span><span>Yannie HUANG Xiaoyan<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;Intro&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_image=&#8221;https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/\u80cc\u666f-1.jpg&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat-y&#8221; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;case&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;70%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"dropcap\">A<\/span><\/span><span>t 3 a.m., Anna Li, a 22-year-old senior student studying at university in Beijing, stepped out of a Shanghai hotel and hailed a taxi to Shanghai Disneyland Park. She had taken a high-speed train from Beijing the night before and only rested for three hours at the hotel, but her sole purpose for this trip was clear: to go to Shanghai Disneyland and celebrate the birthday of a purple rabbit named StellaLou. Belonging to the Duffy and Friends IP, StellaLou is a rabbit who loves to dance ballet.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Half an hour later, after repeatedly urging the taxi driver, Anna arrived at the Disneyland entrance, where a long queue had already formed\u2014all there for the same mission. They wore StellaLou\u2019s iconic purple accessories, carried her plush toys, and also brought gifts and even &#8220;birthday cakes&#8221; for her.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>For Anna, who travels over 1,200 kilometers almost every month to visit StellaLou, this scene is far from unfamiliar. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>At Shanghai Disneyland, Duffy and Friends is an IP famous for its plush toys. But interacting and taking photos with Duffy and Friends characters often requires waiting in line for over three hours, while queuing for the &#8220;top celebrity&#8221; Linabell can take five hours or more. To shorten the wait, they often queue through the night at the park entrance before its opening. Then after purchasing an Early Park Entry Pass to enter early, they continue queuing at the interaction spots. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>On StellaLou\u2019s birthday, after seven hours of waiting, Anna finally reached the interaction at around 10 a.m. and presented the rabbit with her plush toys and the birthday bouquet she had prepared.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Text video&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;70%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/yRBgy131gVs?si=G45uMfR3EMznkoEz\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;70%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span>But their lengthy queueing isn\u2019t just about taking a few photos or videos with the character. For them, IP plush toys are far more than fictional characters from a fairy-tale world\u2014they are companions that bring solace in real life.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; fullwidth=&#8221;on&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;How&#8221; module_id=&#8221;ch1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_enable_image=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax=&#8221;on&#8221; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=&#8221;Buying, Outing, Talking &#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; background_overlay_color=&#8221;rgba(73,73,73,0.32)&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; title_font_size=&#8221;50px&#8221; background_enable_color=&#8221;off&#8221; background_image=&#8221;https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/IMG_3861-scaled.jpg&#8221; parallax=&#8221;on&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;200px||200px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;How&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_image=&#8221;https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/\u80cc\u666f-1.jpg&#8221; background_size=&#8221;contain&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat-y&#8221; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;Price&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;70%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"dropcap\">N<\/span>o<span>wadays, it\u2019s common for young people to treat static IP plush toys as friends: this behavior often begins with a purchase. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>A typical plush toy usually costs around 100 HKD. For Disney\u2019s Duffy and Friends series, they releases different costume designs for different seasons and festivals. Due to their &#8220;limited edition&#8221; nature, besides the official retail price, their prices in the secondary market can soar to four-digit figures depending on factors like official release quantity and series popularity.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Text chart&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;70%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<div class=\"flourish-embed flourish-bar-chart-race\" data-src=\"visualisation\/23255417\"><script src=\"https:\/\/public.flourish.studio\/resources\/embed.js\"><\/script><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/public.flourish.studio\/visualisation\/23255417\/thumbnail\" width=\"100%\" alt=\"bar-chart-race visualization\" \/><\/noscript><\/div>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;mental wellness&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Text chart&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;75%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;right&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<div class=\"flourish-embed flourish-chart\" data-src=\"visualisation\/23250302\"><script src=\"https:\/\/public.flourish.studio\/resources\/embed.js\"><\/script><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/public.flourish.studio\/visualisation\/23250302\/thumbnail\" width=\"100%\" alt=\"chart visualization\" \/><\/noscript><\/div>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;75%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;left&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"dropcap\">C<\/span>ontemporary young people are not just consumers but also promoters of the &#8220;Wellness economy&#8221;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Plush toys have become a way for them to pursue inner peace. The rise of the wellness economy has not only changed market trends<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> but also made society place greater emphasis on the importance of mental health.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559731&quot;:480,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This has also become a new economic phenomenon. According to the 2024 Global Wellness Economy Monitor report, mental wellness has become a key component of the wellness economy.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559731&quot;:480,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;interactive elements\uff08take photo\uff09&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;70%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"dropcap\">B<\/span>ut bringing a plush toy home is just the first step in interacting with it. For young people who love them, they treat these toys like friends or children, caring for them as if they were real infants:\u00a0 <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559731&quot;:480,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Imitating a child\u2019s voice and calling them &#8220;baby&#8221;;\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559731&quot;:480,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Giving them unique names to imprint their personal mark;\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559731&quot;:480,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Taking them on trips, checking in at beautiful scenic spots with them and captioning photos &#8220;visited here&#8221;;\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559731&quot;:480,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Taking photos with them in front of delicious food, pretending to feed them before enjoying the meal themselves;\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559731&quot;:480,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Buying or making different clothes and accessories for them, changing their outfits for different times and scenarios. Besides official designs, this has also spawned individual stores that design or make clothes for toys.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559731&quot;:480,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 100%;\">\n<div style=\"position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; padding-top: 0; height: 0;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to play with your baby (plush toy)\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/view.genially.com\/6828bbe72e2623a25cfa4599\" type=\"text\/html\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" scrolling=\"yes\" allownetworking=\"all\"><\/iframe> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;plush toys&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;70%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;right&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span>Rebecca Liu, an 18-year-old high school student is another StellaLou enthusiast. She could almost be called a StellaLou collector: she owns an entire wall of keychains. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>In addition, she makes special support fans and peripheral products for StellaLou. For her several large StellaLou toys, she gives each a different name and change clothes of different styles and designs for them. On the RedNote platform, Rebecca even created a dedicated account for one StellaLou toys, named it &#8220;Jiujiu,&#8221; posting first-person perspective photos and texts, making emoticons, and more. <\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=&#8221;3912,3914,3909,3913,3910,5460&#8243; fullwidth=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;70%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;left&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_gallery][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;plush toys interview&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;70%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>The first outfit she bought for these toys was a baby onesie. &#8220;It really gives me the feeling of being a mother,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;70%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/KQbFcwNpgog?si=90PF7mG7qk-1ucDq\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>[\/et_pb_code][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;70%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span>But for Anna, her attitude toward plush toys is more about &#8220;only buying I love most.&#8221; Regarding the fluctuating market prices of Duffy and Friends series plush toys, she added, &#8220;It\u2019s really like buying stocks.&#8221; <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Anna has also bought baby clothes for her toys\u2014a choice that seems &#8220;logical&#8221; for owners of L-sized toys as they are approximately 70cm tall, just like a real human baby. Although she calls herself StellaLou\u2019s &#8220;mother&#8221;, in her actual mother\u2019s eyes, she is StellaLou\u2019s &#8220;sister&#8221;.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;70%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/8j51JW_2QNs?si=9xrw8tHFl7Gwml0N\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;Disneyland park&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;70%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"dropcap\">B<\/span><\/span><span>ut for fans of the Duffy and Friends series IP, besides buying and caring for plush toys to place their emotions, they also have Disneyland Park, the dream factory in reality, where they can interact with the characters. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Interaction mainly involves taking photos, recording videos, and, importantly, hugging. The character performers often take the initiative to open their arms and invite you to hug them, and their touch is really fluffy and warm, giving you the feeling that they are not virtual characters but small animals in real life. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>For visitors who have come to interact for many times, they always chat with the character, sharing details of their lives: maybe they ate a delicious snack and want to share it with the character, or they just got through a difficult time and then come to the Disneyland at the earliest opportunity&#8230;\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>From the first time she met StellaLou last May to now, Anna has traveled to Shanghai Disneyland almost every month to see her. Watching a sunrise at the park entrance when queueing overnight, taking &#8220;special forces&#8221;-style weekend round trips between Beijing and Shanghai\u2014for Li, who dislikes getting up early, these were things she previously wouldn\u2019t have tried. But in the moment of meeting and hugging StellaLou, all the toil of these journeys turns into happiness.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;fly to hk&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;70%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span>For Rebecca, who lives in Shanghai, Hong Kong Disneyland has fewer tourists and shorter interaction queues, so she travels to Hong Kong specifically to interact with StellaLou. She purchased an annual pass to Hong Kong Disneyland and visited eight times a year, each time buying several Duffy and Friends Playhouse Fast Passes, which allowed her to visit StellaLou more times with shorter waits.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Text image&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;70%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<div id=\"attachment_5453\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5453\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-5453 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/B4241151-33C7-4BE3-94EC-3A9415FDDFBC-1024x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/B4241151-33C7-4BE3-94EC-3A9415FDDFBC-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/B4241151-33C7-4BE3-94EC-3A9415FDDFBC-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/B4241151-33C7-4BE3-94EC-3A9415FDDFBC-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/B4241151-33C7-4BE3-94EC-3A9415FDDFBC-768x768.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-5453\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Rebecca&#8217;s StellaLou plush toys purchased at Hong Kong Disneyland and the Polaroid photos taken of StellaLou.<\/p><\/div>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;gifts&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;70%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span>Besides taking photos and talking with the character, visitors can also bring little gifts for their favorite characters. Rebecca once brought a large pencil for StellaLou because &#8220;children need to do homework.&#8221; Since StellaLou is set as a ballet-loving dancer rabbit, Rebecca also gave her a very large powder puff. &#8220;She needs to dress up before going on stage,&#8221; she explained.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Anna, who travels long distances, has brought StellaLou seashells from Dalian, a costal city in Mainland China; and willow leaves from West Lake in Hangzhou, a city famous for its natural scenery. Although she has a StellaLou-themed purple pain pack, which enables her to take her &#8220;babies&#8221; wherever she travels, Anna still wants to share every moment of her life with StellaLou. Undoubtedly, these gifts are the best carriers of memories.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Text video (gifts)&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;70%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/RtupRuK_LVk?si=Ky9hvUYfMTsHc0uF\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;Acknowledgments&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;70%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span>For Anna, the last year of undergraduate life has not been easy: preparing her undergraduate thesis, applying for postgraduate school, looking for internships&#8230; But getting to know StellaLou still made it all worthwhile. In the acknowledgment section of her undergraduate thesis, she wrote solemnly, &#8220;The greatest meaning of liking StellaLou is that it makes me better. Stella, now I have the answer: I am really becoming more and more capable. I want to say to my sad self every time: Don\u2019t be upset, you\u2019re already on your way to see StellaLou.&#8221;\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; fullwidth=&#8221;on&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Why&#8221; module_id=&#8221;ch2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_enable_image=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax=&#8221;on&#8221; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=&#8221;Emotional Anchor for Self-Compassion &#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; background_overlay_color=&#8221;rgba(73,73,73,0.42)&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; title_font_size=&#8221;45px&#8221; background_enable_color=&#8221;off&#8221; background_image=&#8221;https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/IMG_8887.jpeg&#8221; parallax=&#8221;on&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;200px||200px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;Why&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_image=&#8221;https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/\u80cc\u666f-1.jpg&#8221; background_size=&#8221;contain&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat-y&#8221; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;why&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;70%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"dropcap\">W<\/span><\/span><span>hen talking about the healing that plush toys bring them, many interviewees mentioned the word &#8220;cute.&#8221; <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Emma Zhao, who loves the Duffy and Friends IP, particularly mentioned &#8220;childlike innocence&#8221; and &#8220;the feeling of a fluffy doll.&#8221; This &#8220;fluffiness&#8221; refers not just to visual cuteness, but also to the tactile memory of childhood toys.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>So why can they treat StellaLou as a friend, visiting her again and again and pouring out their lives to her? Anna explained, &#8220;You can tell her anything and share your life. Although there are friends and family in real life, everyone is often busy, or they can\u2019t always take care of your emotions.&#8221;\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Amelia Li, who loves the Kuromi character from the Sanrio IP, also mentioned this. Although there is no theme park like the Duffy and Friends series to provide interaction scenes, she still takes her toys out and places it across from her at the table when eating alone.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>&#8220;When communicating with real people, I expect to get some positive responses from them, but in many cases, that\u2019s not how it is, because they may not understand your situation, or they may not react at all, so I actually don\u2019t like that,&#8221; Amelia explained. &#8220;But when I talk to Kuromi, I don\u2019t have such expectations. I just feel better after saying it.&#8221; She believed that more importantly, calling the toys &#8220;babies&#8221; is like re-accompanying her childhood self.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;70%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/gGvonowNlHo?si=AaY8F9ErGBL51NVm\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;comparison&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;70%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW69565244 BCX0\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW69565244 BCX0\"><span class=\"dropcap\">B<\/span>ut not everyone who buys IP series plush toys has such emotional needs. Sanna Zeng loves Po from the Teletubbies series and spent over 800 yuan on a large decorative figure to place at home. But for her, this is just a decorative item and collector\u2019s piece symbolizing childhood memories, &#8220;no different from liking a piece of clothing or a cosmetic.&#8221;\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;70%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW5678489 BCX0\">Regarding the behavior of treating IP series plush toys as companions and forming emotional connections, <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW5678489 BCX0\">Sanna<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW5678489 BCX0\"> does not understand it but chooses to respect it. &#8220;Maybe it\u2019s those with particularly rich emotions, or those with a relatively simple emotional life and fewer confidants around them who project their feelings onto dolls.&#8221; <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW5678489 BCX0\">But when talking about herself, she said, &#8220;The first reason is that my social circle is wide enough, and the support from family and friends is enough for me to vent and share my emotions. The second is that objects are static\u2014inanimate things. Owning them doesn\u2019t mean I need to form emotional connections with them.&#8221;\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;70%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/anxyKv6JmQ4?si=w8W00OyljrJEUeND\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; fullwidth=&#8221;on&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Professor opinion&#8221; module_id=&#8221;ch3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_enable_image=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax=&#8221;on&#8221; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=&#8221;Beyond Child\u2019s Play: Fluffy Escapes&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; background_overlay_color=&#8221;rgba(73,73,73,0.42)&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; title_font_size=&#8221;50px&#8221; background_enable_color=&#8221;off&#8221; background_image=&#8221;https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/WechatIMG6084.jpg&#8221; parallax=&#8221;on&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;200px||200px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;professor&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_image=&#8221;https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/\u80cc\u666f-1.jpg&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat-y&#8221; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;70%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span><span class=\"dropcap\">D<\/span>r. Zhi Li, Assistant Professor at the School of Culture and Creativity, Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University, posited that the emotional bond young adults form with IP plush toys is deeply rooted in the complexities of their real-world relationships.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>&#8220;Firstly, people are overwhelmed by study and work commitments, leaving little time to nurture social ties. Yet, their need for connection remains unmet,&#8221; she explained. &#8220;Secondly, ours is an involutionary society where most interpersonal dynamics are competitive rather than built on mutual trust and empathy. This drives young individuals to seek solace in plush toys.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Addressing the question of why adults develop such bonds\u2014contrary to the conventional view that toys are strictly for children\u2014Zhi offers three key explanations:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Entertainment: Plush toys&#8217; adorable designs inherently evoke joy through their visual appeal.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Escapism:<\/span> <span>IP-associated narratives transform these toys into portals for imaginative play, similar to cinema. In a time of fast-paced life and increasing pressures, with words like &#8220;loneliness&#8221;, &#8220;social burnout&#8221; and &#8220;fertility anxiety&#8221; being discussed more and more, it&#8217;s good to escape into a made-up world for a bit. IP Plush toys thus become accessible tools for emotional regulation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Self-Expression: Citing the Barbie franchise as an example, Zhi noted how fans subvert canonical narratives\u2014reimagining Ken as gay to advocate for sexual minority groups visibility\u2014to craft personal stories. Similarly, Chinese adults engage in performative parenting on social media, dressing toys, documenting outings, and constructing identities through these acts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>&#8220;These practices represent a form of narrative creation and self-expression,&#8221; she added. &#8220;Social media amplification has further normalized adult engagement with IP plush toys, transforming it into a cultural phenomenon.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;70%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/gYUDFxMOal4?si=WURL67Psohha7Z2_\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; fullwidth=&#8221;on&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Conclusion&#8221; module_id=&#8221;ch4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_enable_image=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax=&#8221;on&#8221; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=&#8221;Fluffy friends, Plush Playground&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; background_overlay_color=&#8221;rgba(73,73,73,0.42)&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; title_font_size=&#8221;50px&#8221; background_enable_color=&#8221;off&#8221; background_image=&#8221;https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/IMG_7534-scaled.jpg&#8221; parallax=&#8221;on&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;200px||200px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;Conclusion&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_image=&#8221;https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/\u80cc\u666f-1.jpg&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat-y&#8221; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;70%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span><span class=\"dropcap\">I<\/span>n this fast-paced society, human connections seem to be fading: online messages are gradually replacing face-to-face conversations, and emoji hugs are substituting for real physical contact. For the young people navigating this landscape, plush toys offer not only the fluffy, familiar tactile sensation of childhood, but also a constant confidant who always keeps its arms open.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>On social media, many young people not only share photos and stories of their plush toys, but also relish creating various looks, scenes, and accompanying them with unique narratives and emoticons\u2014much like the imaginative &#8220;childhood pretend play&#8221; games. As Dr. Zhi Li has noted, the emotional bond young people form with plush toys is more than a consumer choice; it\u2019s a narrative choice: they set aside real-life worries and pressures to tell their own stories through these toys.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>As we are trying to explore these silent emotional connections through this article, it\u2019s hard not to ask: How much emotional value can such bonds truly offer? <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>But when our interviewees share their favorite plush toys with smiles or the joy of their Disneyland visit, we believe the happiness provided by these plush toys stems not just from warm touches and cute visuals, but is deeply intertwined with their happy memories. This joy is also transmitted through social media photo play to many others who need it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_image=&#8221;https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/\u80cc\u666f-1.jpg&#8221; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Corben||||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#776569&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;26px&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Credits<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;||||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#776569&#8243; text_line_height=&#8221;1em&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; max_width=&#8221;70%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><strong>Multimedia Producers:<\/strong> Yannie HUANG Xiaoyan &amp; Molly LIU Huanyi<\/p>\n<p><strong>Advisor:<\/strong> Foon Lee<\/p>\n<p><strong>Thanks to:<\/strong> Dr.Zhi li, Rebecca Liu,\u00a0Anna Li,\u00a0Emma Zhao,\u00a0Amelia Li &amp; Sanna Zeng<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For devoted fans, IP plush toys transcend mere merchandise, becoming companions and emotional anchors like their friends and family members. Why do young people develop such empathetic feelings towards these virtual entities?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":3831,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3724","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","et-has-post-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Duffy - JMSC Capstone 2025<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Duffy - JMSC Capstone 2025\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"For devoted fans, IP plush toys transcend mere merchandise, becoming companions and emotional anchors like their friends and family members. 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