"Why not just consume?" D-chan and "Discerning consumption" M-kun's shopping

Not a luxury item, nor a necessity—a wellness-oriented product. This is the second installment in our series exploring how people buy, where desire, speculation, reason, and knowledge all intertwine.

As announced last time, our theme starting now is explaining the 30 distinct purchasing patterns. But we'll change things up a bit by presenting the research findings in a fictionalized format (?). Since this is the first installment, we'll cover the most popular patterns: "Might as Well Consume" (Overall #1, Women #1) and "Discerning Consumption" (Overall #2, Men #1). To see how these patterns manifest and why certain people behave this way, please enjoy the following skits.

《Walking past the supermarket shelves》

D-ko: Hmm, what should I make for dinner? I can't even think of anything I want to eat... My appetite's been off lately.

M: What are you talking about? You were just gobbling down chocolate a minute ago.

D: That was leftover from the kids' snacks. It was a new product a friend recommended, so I just tried a little.
(Characteristic: "Since I'm buying it anyway" - Not overly strict, recently bought chocolate - 52.5%)

M: That wasn't a "taste" amount. I'd be careful not to overeat, though.
("Prevention" trait: Takes proactive measures before symptoms appear 15.4%)

D-ko: Sometimes I just feel like it. Anyway, I have no appetite. Maybe it's summer fatigue.
("If I'm going to do it" trait: Wants to maintain regular, healthy eating habits but occasionally lets loose 35.2%)

M-husband: Just be careful not to get sick.
("Preparedness" characteristic: Preparing for illness or injury 63.1%)

D-ko: Hmm, well then, maybe I'll try this one today. It's a bit pricier, but it's for my health.
("If I'm going to do it, I might as well" trait: Chooses the healthier or more beauty-enhancing option even if slightly more expensive. 21.9%)

M-husband: Then how about this one? See, it has lots of different things in it and looks good. This vegetable is really nutritious.
("Discerning" trait: Often buys items said to be healthy after understanding their effects and benefits: 27.9%)

D-chan: Hmm... And then, sports drinks for my brother's club activities... Wait, are you buying that too?
("Might as well" characteristic: Recently bought sports drinks 39.2%)

M-husband: I'm choosing carefully.
("Discerning" trait: Recently bought third/fourth-tier beer 26.4%)

D-chan: You've been going to drinking parties nonstop, haven't you? I'm trying so hard to cook healthy meals for you.
("Might as well" trait: Routinely incorporates healthy choices, 23.5%)

M-husband: I think I'm pretty health-conscious... Well, if the weather's nice, maybe we could all go out next week?
("Discerning" characteristic: Thinks he's fairly health-conscious 64.5%)

D-ko: Oh, then I'd like some skin supplements.
("If I'm going to do it" trait: Recently bought supplements 26.2%)

M-husband:...

How about that? Did you get a sense of the difference between "might as well" consumption and "discerning" consumption?

 

Here's a little tidbit... though maybe not so little. Have you ever heard of "locomotive syndrome"? It refers to the deterioration or impairment of the "locomotive system" – bones, joints, muscles, and such. Humans are bipedal animals, so our lower backs and hips bear significant strain. These symptoms can lead to future bedridden states or the need for long-term care. Attention is growing on whether it will become as widely recognized as "the second metabolic syndrome," including its countermeasures.