![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/dopamine-comp2-5a9a.gif\")
\n\t\tThere\u2019s been an \u2018interesting development\u2019 in the way people are using the internet (Picture: Myles Goode\/ Getty)<\/p>\n
\t\t
\n\t\tThere\u2019s been an \u2018interesting development\u2019 in the way people are using the internet (Picture: Myles Goode\/ Getty)<\/p>\n
We\u2019ve all lost track of time looking at homes we can\u2019t afford on Rightmove<\/a>, or browsing for what to watch on Netflix<\/a>.<\/p>\n The act triggers a release of dopamine in our brain, which is a feel-good neurotransmitter that makes us crave a reward. In this case, that might be finding the perfect TV show to binge, or spotting our dream property.<\/p>\n But now Gen Z has found a new way to experience that same rush, with an online trend that originated in South Korea<\/a>.<\/p>\n Dopamine websites are taking the internet by storm, and while some claim they\u2019re \u2018satisfying\u2019, others are finding the idea quite bleak.<\/p>\n What is a dopamine website?<\/p>\n Essentially, these are fake websites that allow people to chase the dopamine hit they get before making a purchase, be it ordering a takeaway or shopping.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tLook beyond the headlines\t\t\t<\/p>\n Get a curated list of the most important stories of the weekend every Sunday from our weekend editor Jess Austin.<\/p>\n Look beyond the headlines with exclusive articles, emotive interviews and must-read explainers from our expert team of reporters across news, lifestyle and entertainment.<\/p>\n Sign up here<\/a>.<\/p>\n \t\t However, the key difference between these and regular websites is that you\u2019re not actually spending any money, and your order will never arrive.<\/p>\n The whole experience is gamified from start to finish, allowing you to satisfy your cravings without indulging.<\/p>\n For instance, one such website called FoodNeverComes, looks a lot like delivery apps such as Deliveroo or Just Eat, and works similarly. On the site, you can browse food options, customise an order, pick the type of delivery you want, see all the delivery costs and fees, read reviews, and even \u2018track\u2019 your food via a virtual courier.<\/p>\n Other popular examples of dopamine sites include a smoking simulator app, which allows people to enjoy the social aspects of a \u2018smoke break\u2019 in a virtual room with strangers, without actually having to smoke.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\tAsk Metro<\/p>\n Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about \u2013 powered by Metro and trusted publications.<\/p>\n There are also \u2018quiet spaces\u2019 that simulate office life, and ones for online shopping, that let you fill up your cart and check out without actually spending a penny.\u00a0<\/p>\n \t\t According to Psychology Today,<\/a> these sites allow people to use symbolic experiences to satisfy emotional needs.<\/p>\n They explain: \u2018The mind is constantly running simulations of possible futures. We imagine what an experience will feel like, how it might improve our lives, and how we will feel once we get there. Those simulations can generate real emotions even if the event itself never occurs. <\/p>\n \u2018The experience activates memories, expectations, preferences, and possibilities. Browsing a takeout menu can be enjoyable even without placing an order.\u2019<\/p>\n \t\t Cathrine Jansson-Boyd, a professor of consumer psychology at Anglia Ruskin University, says that the dopamine websites are \u2018an interesting development\u2019 and their biggest appeal is \u2018anticipation\u2019.<\/p>\n However, she warns that, as well as a spike in dopamine, users might also experience some negative effects.<\/p>\n She tells Metro: \u2018While the sites certainly can increase dopamine levels, they may also lead to a bigger dip in disappointment when nothing ever materialises. <\/p>\n \u2018It may lead to frustration as it generates a gap between expectations and reality. <\/p>\n \u2018As a result, people might find themselves engaging more in the use of dopamine sites to feel good again. Thus, it could become a repeating pattern similar to addiction to computer gaming.\u2019<\/p>\n Much like with the practice of window shopping, people using these sites may also experience feelings of envy or inadequacy, because they can\u2019t actually afford the items they want.<\/p>\n Cathrine adds: \u2018Prolonged exposure to desirable goods can activate a cycle of desire, leading to feelings of inadequacy or envy, which may increase materialistic values and lower overall well-being. <\/p>\n \u2018There is evidence that digital window shopping can lead to addiction-like effects on the brain. However, window shopping can be a harmless activity, but it can also become an obstacle to well-being.\u2019<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\tHave you tried dopamine websites?<\/p>\n I’m curious about themCheck<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\tLook beyond the headlines with exclusive articles, emotive interviews and must-read explainers from our expert team of reporters across news, lifestyle and entertainment.<\/p>\n What do people think about them?<\/p>\n A 25-year-old office worker, known only as Kim, told The Korea Times<\/a> he used the dopamine websites as a way to relieve stress.<\/p>\n \u2018There are many times when I crave food late at night, but hold back to save money. It feels like a real delivery app, so I somehow keep looking at it. I don\u2019t end up ordering anything, but it feels like it relieves a little stress,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n And over on social media<\/a>, several people were in support of the sites as a tool to prevent them from making impulse purchases and getting into debt.<\/p>\n Reddit<\/a> user u\/yepthisismyusername shared: \u2018If it works, this is great. Very much \u201cno harm done\u201d as I see it. Something that can give the dopamine of addiction with none of the pitfalls is a great thing.\u2019<\/p>\n While u\/TheAmazingBildo admitted: \u2018I would love this. Not because I\u2019m a shopping addict, but because I\u2019m too poor to buy anything for real.\u2019<\/p>\n However, not everyone thought the trend was positive, as some saw it as a sign that consumerism is out of control. <\/p>\n u\/LongMelford proclaimed it was \u2018end-stage capitalism\u2019, as u\/middaymoon found the sites to be \u2018extremely grim\u2019.<\/p>\n And u\/Smooovies agreed, saying: \u2018This is like that food where you season rocks and lick the flavor off lol. Capitalism has literally consumed the ability to consume.\u2019<\/p>\n A few people also thought it felt \u2018dystopian as f***\u2019, like something out of an episode of Black Mirror, and said they\u2019d stick to the traditional method of \u2018window shopping\u2019 in the physical world instead.<\/p>\n Do you have a story you\u2019d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Arrow![\"Dopamine](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/SEI_302965018-798a.jpg\")
\n\t\tThe sites simulate everything from being in an office to shopping (Picture: imisstheoffice.eu)<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/PRI_187240884-82b2.jpg\")
\n\t\tOne of the sites lets you pretend to order food, as you would on an app like Deliveroo
(Picture: Shutterstock \/ Mano Kors)
\nHow does it work?<\/p>\n![\"Teenagers](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/SEI_32913914-4a47.jpg\")
\n\t\tSome think the new online trend is quite \u2018grim\u2019 (Picture: Shutterstock \/ Monkey Business Images)
\nShould we be concerned?<\/p>\n
\nMORE: The price of this exact same food shop from 2022 to now will make you feel sick<\/a><\/p>\n
\nMORE: Merry-maxxing is the \u2018unapologetic\u2019 trend that\u2019ll be everywhere this Christmas <\/a><\/p>\n
\nMORE: Think you have ADHD? 6 questions to ask yourself before booking an assessment<\/a><\/p>\n