The rise of fake online shopping platforms that let you pretend to buy things: Would you use a ‘dopamine site’?

The emergence of fake online shopping platforms like FoodNeverComes highlights a new trend where users can simulate the experience of purchasing and receiving products without any real transactions or deliveries. This phenomenon, originating from South Korea, taps into the psychological desire for instant gratification, often referred to as "dopamine sites." These apps exploit the pleasure associated with shopping to engage users, raising questions about consumer behavior and mental health in the digital age. The rise of such platforms underscores broader issues around online authenticity and the potential for manipulation in digital experiences.