Are You a Dopamine Addict?
A new Japanese slang term describing children and young people addicted to the instant stimulation of social media has been nominated for Japan's 2026 Buzzword of the Year, drawing attention to growing concerns that endless short videos are undermining concentration, disrupting sleep, and creating addictive behavior among adults as well as children. (News On Japan)
Dopagaki, a Japanese slang term gaining traction for describing children and young adults hooked on the rapid stimulation of social media, reflects growing concerns over the impact of endless short videos. While initially popular among teenagers, research warns that compulsive smartphone use can affect individuals of all ages. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to motivation and concentration, is released in anticipation of new content, creating a cycle of addiction that can disrupt sleep, concentration, and daily life.
This dopamine-driven behavior has led governments worldwide to consider restrictions on children's social media use, with Australia and the European Union taking significant steps. Despite these efforts, enforcing age limits has proven challenging. Japan, too, is evaluating potential measures. Adults, too, are showing signs of addiction, with Mitsukura's four-question checklist offering a way to assess dependence.
To mitigate this, experts recommend taking regular breaks, ensuring breaks are adhered to can be challenging.
Written by urgent.news from News On Japan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
