South Korea dopamine sites simulate shopping high for Gen Z

A growing trend of “dopamine sites” is emerging among Gen Z in South Korea. These platforms are designed to simulate the psychological rush of consumerism without any actual financial transaction.

Users can engage in various simulated activities, such as browsing endless lists of imaginary products, adding items to a shopping cart, and completing checkouts that result in a total of $0.00. Other variations include fake food delivery apps where users simulate orders and virtual social spaces, such as digital smoke break rooms, where users interact with strangers.

These websites aim to recreate the dopamine hit associated with shopping and delivery tracking while removing the economic cost. Despite the products and services being non-existent, the platforms utilize psychological triggers like countdown timers to create a sense of urgency.