Are Labubus Popular Because They Are "So Bad They're Good?"

EPISODE OVERVIEW
Why do we sometimes love things we know are “bad”? In this episode of The Ripple Effect, Wharton Executive Education Vice Dean and Marketing Professor Patti Williams unpacks the psychology behind the consumption of something that is “so bad it’s good." From cult films like The Room to fads like the pet rock or today’s Pop Mart Labubu collectibles, Patti Williams explains why people often prefer the extremes—great or terrible—over the forgettable middle. She shares how hedonic motives, curiosity, and even storytelling value make bad jokes, awful auditions, and offbeat products more entertaining than their mediocre counterparts. This conversation also explores how companies tap into that sweet spot of irony and sincerity, fueling virality and cultural moments that stick.

PODCAST OVERVIEW
Every day, business scholars answer pressing questions in their research - but what do their insights mean for you? In this podcast, Wharton faculty dive into what inspired their studies and how their findings resonate with the world today. Learn how research insights translate into knowledge you can use, with host Dan Loney.

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