Fake delivery apps in South Korea offer dopamine without the cost

A new trend has emerged in South Korea where people use fake delivery apps and 'dopamine sites' to simulate the experience of online shopping. These platforms mimic real browsing, cart-filling, and ordering processes but deliver nothing at all. Users turn to them for a sense of satisfaction without the actual purchase or cost. The creator of FoodNeverComes, known as Malhee, developed the app after noticing his own late-night habit of opening and closing real delivery apps without placing orders. His fake food delivery service now lets users browse menus, read reviews, and go through the motions of ordering food online. The experience can feel just as rewarding as the real thing for some people.

Psychologist Dr. Gabrielle Schreyer-Hoffman describes these sites as a modern coping mechanism. According to her, users seek small bursts of dopamine from the act of shopping or ordering, without the commitment of spending money. She notes that digital tools often serve to simulate, optimise, or soften parts of daily life, making such apps appealing in high-pressure environments.

South Korea has become a hub for such internet trends, partly due to its highly connected society and the intense demands of school and work. Many young people view dopamine sites as a way to relieve boredom, manage spending habits, or ease emotional stress. Reactions online remain divided, with some praising the sites for curbing impulse purchases while others criticise them as a sad reflection of consumer culture. These fake apps and websites continue to grow in popularity across South Korea. They provide a cost-free, commitment-free way to experience the thrill of shopping or ordering food. The trend highlights how digital tools are increasingly used to navigate daily pressures and emotional needs.