Order for Free and Leap Through Space-Time?... Dopamine Apps and Malls Gain Global Attention

Psychological Satisfaction Without Actual Orders

'Fake Consumption' Reduces Overspending and Delivery Addiction

So-called "fake delivery apps," which allow users to experience the ordering process without making an actual purchase, are gaining popularity among young people in South Korea.

You can experience the payment process without placing an actual order and even check the money and calories saved. Screenshot of the 'Eumsikanwayo' app screen

These platforms let users browse and select food just like on regular food delivery services, but no real food is delivered and no payment is processed. Nevertheless, users say they feel a psychological satisfaction similar to that of real consumption.

Users can select virtual restaurants and menu items, add them to their cart, and proceed with entering their address and contact information, followed by the payment process. Even without entering an address or contact details, it is still possible to place an order.

Once an order is completed, the virtual restaurant receives the order and a virtual delivery driver is assigned. The estimated delivery time and real-time route are displayed just like on actual delivery apps. At the end, users receive a notification that the food has "arrived," and they can check the money and calories they saved by not making a real order.

Virtual shopping malls that can be used like real shopping malls are gaining popularity. Screenshot of the "Sajasaja" website

'Virtual shopping malls' also popular... Reading reviews is half the fun

There are also virtual shopping malls to help curb impulses for shopping and impulse buys. "Sajasaja," a website created by X (formerly Twitter) user "Pput" in April, allows users to add products to their cart, make virtual payments, and even write reviews, just like a real online shopping mall.

However, the items for sale are things you cannot find in real life. For example, the electronics category features a "Space-Time Jump Device" priced at 10 million won. Users leave witty reviews such as, "Received a defective product. It only makes a buzzing noise. I set it to time slip to the Joseon Dynasty, but now I’m in the dinosaur age and got into an accident with a Brachiosaurus," or, "I bought it to stop Elon Musk from buying Twitter, but a warning message popped up. So now it just hits me on the back of the head every day and runs away. Highly recommended."

This site was inspired by "Kaukau," a virtual shopping mall that first gained attention in Japan. "Kaukau" became popular for selling fantastical items like "invisibility cloaks" and "calorie-minus fried food," allowing users to make virtual payments and write reviews.

Korea's 'dopamine sites' attract international attention... "Psychological satisfaction without real consumption"

This trend has also drawn attention overseas. On June 24 (local time), The Times reported, "Fake delivery apps are trending among Korea’s Gen Z," and described the spread of "dopamine sites" that provide enjoyment without the cost, calories, or health burdens of real purchases.

The psychology journal Psychology Today explained, "The enjoyment of anticipating a purchase is preserved, but there is no actual consumption." The journal added that these platforms can help alleviate stress and loneliness, and may serve as a behavioral alternative to reduce impulse buying or overspending.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.