South Korea's 'Dopamine Sites' Let Users Fake Shop Without Spending

A new trend has emerged in South Korea, where people use 'dopamine sites' to simulate online activities like shopping or ordering food. These platforms mimic the experience without requiring actual purchases. FoodNeverComes, one such app, has gained attention for its unique approach to virtual food delivery. The creator of FoodNeverComes, Malhee, developed the app after noticing his own late-night habit of opening and closing delivery apps without placing orders. The fake service lets users browse menus, customise orders, and even track imaginary deliveries. It offers the satisfaction of the process without the cost or commitment.

South Korea has long been a hotspot for internet trends, thanks to its highly connected society and the pressures of work and study. Dopamine sites have become a modern coping tool in this environment. Psychologist Dr. Gabrielle Schreyer-Hoffman suggests users turn to these platforms for dopamine hits, replicating the pleasure of shopping or ordering food without finishing the transaction.

Opinions on the trend are divided. Some view these sites as practical tools for managing impulse spending. Others see them as a stark commentary on consumer culture, where digital simulations replace real experiences. Dopamine sites are now used as a cure for boredom, a way to control spending, and an emotional outlet among young South Koreans. They reflect a growing reliance on digital tools to navigate daily pressures. The trend highlights how technology is reshaping even the most routine aspects of life.