Construction of Gen Z Community Identity from the Perspective of Emotional Consumption: A Case Study of <italic style="font-style: italic">Genshin Impact</italic>

Xiaomeng Zhang

doi:10.47297/wspciWSP2516-252743.20261003

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Construction of Gen Z Community Identity from the Perspective of Emotional Consumption: A Case Study of <italic style="font-style: italic">Genshin Impact</italic>

Volume 10, Issue 3

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Construction of Gen Z Community Identity from the Perspective of Emotional Consumption: A Case Study of Genshin Impact
Construction of Gen Z Community Identity from the Perspective of Emotional Consumption: A Case Study of Genshin Impact
Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
Vol. 10, Issue 3, Pages: 213-216(2026)
Online First：07 August 2026，

Published：30 June 2026
DOI：10.47297/wspciWSP2516-252743.20261003
Accepted：

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Zhang Xiaomeng.Construction of Gen Z Community Identity from the Perspective of Emotional Consumption: A Case Study of Genshin Impact[J].Creativity and Innovation,2026,10(03):213-216.
DOI：

Zhang Xiaomeng.Construction of Gen Z Community Identity from the Perspective of Emotional Consumption: A Case Study of Genshin Impact[J].Creativity and Innovation,2026,10(03):213-216. DOI： 10.47297/wspciWSP2516-252743.20261003.

摘要

Abstract

Emotional consumption has become a key entry point for understanding the consumption logic of Generation Z. The game

Genshin Impact

and its large community provide a typical sample for exploring the relationship between emotional consumption and identity. From the perspective of emotional consumption theory and combined with case analysis

this paper examines the consumption practices of Gen Z players in and out of the game and in community interactions. The study finds that emotional consumption drives players to transform from "emotional experiencers" to "identity bearers" through three stages: community integration

boundary reinforcement

and identity internalization. In turn

a stable identity naturalizes and routinizes consumption behaviors

elevating them from occasional emotional release to a structured community lifestyle. This bidirectionally reinforcing cycle constitutes the underlying driving force for the sustainable operation of the community ecosystem.

关键词

Keywords

references

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