Unpacking the Dorito theory: How trivial pleasures drive online addiction

A certain TikTok user, @celeste.aria_, aired her thoughts on addictions and the internet. Her definition of the Dorito Theory quickly gained traction, and increasing numbers of people began to validate it. In her view, we all fall prey to addictive, trivial matters, as the joy we get from them is purely instantaneous. Read on to learn how this woman compared behavioral tendencies to a packet of crisps.

Before you know it, One crisp, two, then five, half a bag – this is the nature of snacking. Even after filling up, your craving remains. It's fascinating how a few slices of fried potato can give you more pleasure than a large meal or a succulent stein of steak that nourishes and leaves you feeling full for an extended period. The addiction to snacking roots from the immediate burst of pleasure derived from tasting, not the fulfillment that follows.

The same rings true for social media scrolling. Upon opening the TikTok app, it's nearly impossible to switch off after just one or two videos. A single swipe of the thumb can keep you scrolling continuously, thereby making us lose numerous hours to frivolous videos that add no value to our lives. This is precisely where the Dorito theory comes into play, supporting the notion that people tend to develop addictions to what is generally regarded as trivial, solely for the fleeting euphoria it provides.

Recent technological advancements have inundated individuals with new gadgets, apps, and services aimed at enhancing the quality of life. Surrounded by an array of stimuli, people's psychology starts to adapt to constant emotional turbulence. Consequently, we develop an addiction to adrenaline, which is commonly associated with risky situations that should naturally deter us. Hence, people engage in harmful behaviors like drinking, drug-taking, or associating with toxic individuals, perpetuating the Dorito Theory.

Using social media is the initial step towards internet addiction. Although initially it feels manageable, issues tend to surface when work responsibilities are neglected due to excessive phone screen time. The onslaught of the pandemic resulted in most of us being confined indoors, and to fill the void of specific activities, there was an increased usage of social media. Subsequently, there was a noted surge in instances of depression, anxiety, and addictive behaviors. The intent of the Dorito Theory is to make people cognisant of their predisposition towards addictions, which usually commence with innocent internet surfing.