A fascinating new theory has emerged on social media that promises to unravel your most unhealthy habits, specifically why you might keep falling into toxic patterns in everything from food to love.
Dubbed the “Dorito theory,” the now viral hypothesis suggests that the way you consume potato chips can help explain your unhealthy behaviors in all areas of your life.
The premise of the theory has its roots in the process of eating a bag of chips.
It suggests that if you find yourself reaching for chip after chip when you consume a bag of Doritos, chances are you’re just enjoying the moment you try the unhealthy snack, and not because your body is being nourished or satisfied by the act of eating them.
While some may see this as nothing more than an attack of the munchies, TikTok users are now suggesting that this behavior indicates much more about the worst habits in your life; Experts confirm that the Dorito theory serves as an example of why. “Experiences that are not truly satisfying are highly addictive.”
Your obsession with potato chips – specifically Doritos – could explain why you keep falling into toxic patterns with food and love
The Dorito theory has taken the Internet by storm because it explains that the need to reach for one chip after another is a pattern of addiction.
The #DoritoTheory discussion, which has so far racked up more than 500,000 views on TikTok, was first sparked by a user who shared her thoughts on the hypothesis, admitting that she hadn’t been able to get it out of her head.
She said: ‘One thing I can’t stop thinking about is the so-called Dorito theory. I learned from this and now I see everything a little differently.
‘The idea is that only experiences that are not truly satisfying are maximally addictive. So imagine eating Doritos, when you eat a Dorito and finish the bite, you’re not completely satisfied.’
He explained that munching on chips is not the same as eating a protein-rich meal.
‘Eating crisps is addictive because the peak of the experience occurs when you try them for the first time and not afterwards. There is nothing that exists after the experience has been completed, the experience itself is not satisfactory in the end,” he added.
The TikToker noted that the effect produced by simply having something in the moment is extremely addictive and applies to many things in life.
“Like infinite scrolling on TikTok, you’re never satisfied after engaging in the behavior, it’s really just that micro-moment where you hit scroll is when the dopamine kicks in,” he said.
He noted that people tend to want things that are “maximally addictive” because they have an extremely brief euphoria associated with them.
An intimacy coach, who goes by @pursueyourwild on TikTok, also took to the video-sharing platform to detail how chip ideology can translate to your love life.
Both content creators claimed that the Dorito theory occurred due to a short-lived high.
The content creator suggested that you analyze the different things in life and eliminate the parts that bring you quick happiness.
An intimacy coach, who goes by @pursueyourwild on TikTok, also took to the video-sharing platform to detail how chip ideology can translate to your love life.
“So the Dorito theory is basically the idea that you will ultimately become addicted to something that doesn’t satiate you adequately because you’re just stuck trying to satiate yourself in the moment of someone who isn’t designed to satiate you.
“And that’s how addiction happens, we just get into patterns of more, more, more,” he explained.
The expert said that while one Dorito is not meant to satisfy the body, people continue to drink more in search of a quick effect.
He noted that Dorito’s theory also applies to intimacy.
‘Intimacy, true intimacy, vulnerability, taking off the mask, letting another see who you really are is what is satisfying.
“It creates a connection that is deeply satisfying,” he added, before noting that while healthy relationships are satisfying, people often seek out short-term flings to keep themselves happy, such as “empty sex.”
People across the web flooded the comments section and shared their thoughts on the viral theory.
speaking to USA TodayPsychologist Renee Car also explained why it is important to take into account the Dorito theory.
She said: “Not experiencing satiety when engaging in a particular activity or relationship can influence you to remain in a situation that is not truly satisfying, healthy or happy.”
“As one experiences enough satisfaction, we mistakenly think that complete satisfaction is possible, which leads us to stay longer or invest more energy unnecessarily.”
He noted that the amount of dopamine you have is “enough” to prevent you from seeing a person for who they really are, meaning you’ll “minimize their negative parts” to get another taste of the high.
Psychologist Alice Shepard told the outlet: “Bad habits can be related to unsatisfying romantic relationships, friendships we should have abandoned years ago, jobs that no longer work for us.”
People across the web flooded the comments section and shared their opinions on the viral theory.
One person said, “You can never have enough of something you don’t need.”
Another user wrote: “Wow, this is a game changer.”
Someone else added: “This is so spot on.”
“Momentary pleasure versus state of happiness,” wrote one user.