Young Koreans use digital placebos to curb spending
Office worker Lee Joo-hyun, 25, opens a mobile app when hunger strikes, even though she is trying to lose weight. Lee browses the menu, selects food and hits the order button. A notification pops up notifying her that the food is being prepared, followed by a real-time map tracking a delivery driver picking up the meal and moving toward her home. The food, however, never arrives. Lee is not…
Young Koreans are turning to digital placebos to avoid overspending, according to a recent trend highlighted by office worker Lee Joo-hyun, 25. Even when she feels the urge to eat, Lee resorts to using the FoodNeverArrives app instead. The app mimics the ordering process, displaying a virtual receipt that tallies both the money saved and the calories avoided.
Lee finds satisfaction in the numbers on the receipt, stating that she feels proud and happy without actually consuming the food. As inflation rates continue to rise, such digital placebos are becoming increasingly popular among budget-conscious consumers in their 20s and 30s. These virtual experiences offer a sense of accomplishment and amusement without incurring any financial costs or health risks.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- Young Koreans use digital placebos to curb spending koreatimes.co.kr
