Dopamine-Boosting Pretend Shopping Sites Go Viral

A recent wave of so-called dopamine sites mimics shopping and delivery to trigger anticipatory pleasure without real purchases, a concept that began in South Korea with Food Never Arrives and has spawned imitators like FakeHaul and Food Never Comes (which even offers recipes). Other variants include Damta World, a virtual smoking site. Proponents say these sites can make people more aware of spending, but experts worry the pleasure is short-lived and may intensify cravings, raising questions about their true impact on behavior.