Crypto fans turn to fake luxury purchases for thrill

Crypto enthusiasts whose portfolio values have stalled are engaging in "dopamine shopping" — pretending to buy luxury goods online for the psychological high.

Originating in South Korea earlier this year, the trend sees users simulate the entire process of selecting and paying for costly goods such as watches, apparel and meals — yet never parting with actual funds.

The goal is to feel the excitement of large purchases while avoiding the financial downside. Real luxury remains out of reach for many because the cryptocurrency market's total value is still 30% below its peak from a year ago.

A lawyer and crypto influencer based in Singapore joked about the phenomenon, suggesting a business that adds actual freebies to fake shopping apps to create unpredictable incentives.

He quipped that a firm capable of turning users into paying clients by pairing a simulated purchase with a lottery chance for an actual product could be valued at "multi billions."

Dopamine shopping gains traction in crypto circles

The appropriately named Dopamine Shop already offers a simulated jewelry section, featuring a $10,950 Rolex Submariner and a $56,000 Audemars Piguet.

The site's slogan: "Shop freely. Buy nothing."

The BBC reported over 2.7 million visitors to FoodNeverComes since June 2026. That site functions as a "dopamine kitchen," mimicking the UberEats ordering process.

The crypto world joined in this week after a commentator shared screenshots of fake storefronts that drew nearly two million views. In a subsequent post, he addressed his followers: "Degens would love it."

Commenters continued the humor, with one remarking: "I love checking TripNeverLeaves right after a 45-minute session with FoodNeverComes."

A fintech professional aptly asked: "Why do we keep coming up with new and creative ways to gamble?"