Dopamine, Baby: The Secret Ingredient of Every Addictive Ad

Ever wonder why you can’t just buy one thing from an online sale? Or why you keep refreshing your likes after posting about your new kicks? Blame dopamine—the mischievous little chemical behind every impulsive purchase.

Advertising doesn’t just sell products; it sells hits of dopamine. Bright colors, limited-time deals, surprise discounts—these all trigger your brain’s reward system. It’s why unboxing videos feel so satisfying. It’s why free samples make you irrationally committed to a brand. It’s why you promise yourself you’re “just browsing,” only to end up with five new outfits and a tracking number.

Good ads don’t just ask you to buy—they make you feel like you need to. And when that purchase hits? Oof. Sweet, sweet dopamine.

Go on, tell yourself it was just a “treat yourself” moment. We both know the truth.