Research on Emotional Projection and Symbolic Economy Represented by Virtual Characters in Generation Z

DOI

10.2991/978-2-38476-541-6_51How to use a DOI?

Keywords

Emotional Projection; Symbolic Economy; Virtual Characters

Abstract

This study delves into how Generation Z projects emotions onto virtual characters and the symbolic economic paradigm this fosters. As carriers of this group’s psychological needs, virtual characters structurally connect emotional expression with consumption behavior. The research reveals that Gen Z maps self-worth onto virtual images—seeking identity and belonging through these digital symbols—while maintaining strong economic rationality, creating a unique dynamic where intense emotional investment coexists with consumption caution: they may immerse themselves in character narratives or fan communities yet deliberate thoroughly before purchasing related products. This tension exposes the core of digital consumption: the symbolic economy both embodies young people’s psychological needs and carries their social interactions. Consequently, the study proposes institutional innovations for sustainable industrial development, including balancing commercial interests with consumer rights protection, fostering creative diversity, and guiding rational consumption. These measures aim to ensure the symbolic economy not only drives industrial growth but also aligns with the fundamental interests of youth, ultimately achieving the synergistic coexistence of commercial and social values.

Copyright

© 2026 The Author(s)

Open Access

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

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TY  - CONF
AU  - Chenxuan Lin
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/02/26
TI  - Research on Emotional Projection and Symbolic Economy Represented by Virtual Characters in Generation Z
BT  - Proceedings of the 2025 5th International Conference on Culture, Design and Social Development (CDSD 2025)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 455
EP  - 462
SN  - 2352-5398
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-541-6_51
DO  - 10.2991/978-2-38476-541-6_51
ID  - Lin2026
ER  -