“Dopamine sites” that mimic online purchase experience for shopping addicts are on the rise

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A new trend in South Korea lets people enjoy the excitement of online shopping without spending any money, thanks to popular “dopamine sites.” These sites offer a virtual shopping experience for those who get a thrill from browsing and adding items to their cart.

South Korea is a leader in digital technology, and online shopping is very popular there. Interestingly, people seem to get enjoyment from the act of shopping itself, rather than just from the items they buy.

Because of this, fake online stores called “dopamine sites” have become popular. These sites look just like real shopping websites – with all the same features – but when you “buy” something, nothing is ever sent to you.

How “dopamine sites” work

These websites display fake products, complete with fabricated reviews, deals, and search options. You can even go through the motions of adding items to your shopping cart and entering your shipping information as if you were completing a purchase. However, no actual payment is processed – your card won’t be charged.

When users place an order, the system pretends a courier has accepted it. A tracking screen then appears, showing the delivery progress and a fake courier traveling to their address. However, since no real courier exists, nothing is actually delivered when the ‘courier’ reaches the location.

A unique trend is emerging in South Korea with websites designed to mimic the experience of online shopping and food delivery. These sites let users browse menus, read reviews, add items to carts, and even follow a fake delivery driver – but you can’t actually buy anything! It’s all about experiencing the anticipation and small joys of the process, similar to getting a dopamine hit. Some services even offer virtual ‘smoke breaks’.

— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) June 6, 2026

This practice is gaining traction in South Korea, where people enjoy the feeling of a good deal without actually spending much money. However, online discussions indicate it’s unlikely to become popular in the United States.

People on Reddit are talking about this trend, with one user comparing it to ‘playing pretend as adults,’ saying it feels like ‘play shopping’ as a child. Another Redditor said it wouldn’t work for them, as they’d be frustrated knowing nothing real would arrive.

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2026-06-13 23:19