The so-called "loneliness economy" in China has exceeded 866 billion euros, according to a study mentioned in the article. This figure represents the total expenses associated with people living alone in the country.
The author of the study warns that a significant portion of these expenses does not correspond to discretionary consumption, meaning spending that people choose to make based on preference. On the contrary, these are unavoidable costs that those living alone have no way to share.
Among these costs are housing rent, electricity, and appliances. These expenses represent a relevant proportion of the total "loneliness economy," distinguishing them from other more voluntary expenditures.
