Paying for Uncertainty-An Economic Study of Blind Box Consumption among Young Customers

Junyao Li

Co-Presenters: Zehui Zhong, Qinchen Zhu, Huitai Cao

College: College of Business and Public Management

Major: BS.FINANCE

Faculty Research Mentor: Meng, Chen

Abstract:

Blind boxes and digital game skins have become increasingly popular among young consumers, particularly because they involve uncertainty about the final product received. This research examines why young consumers are willing to repeatedly purchase goods with uncertain outcomes and explores the economic behavior underlying these purchasing decisions. The study focuses on two representative formats of the “blind box economy”: physical surprise boxes and digital game skins.To investigate consumer motivations, this project proposes using online surveys targeting young consumers to collect information on purchasing frequency, spending levels, and attitudes toward uncertain products. Drawing on concepts from behavioral economics, the analysis explores how emotional satisfaction, perceived scarcity, and fear of missing out influence consumer decision-making. By comparing physical and digital formats, the study examines similarities and differences in purchasing behavior across these two types of uncertain goods.Overall, this research aims to provide insight into how uncertainty, psychological rewards, and social influences shape consumption patterns among young consumers, contributing to a better understanding of emerging markets driven by uncertainty-based products.