Credits: Social Media
How the Dorito Theory affects my life, and what I do to overcome it
Ever since one TikTok user explained the new Dorito Theory, I’ve come to realize that a lot of the things I do in life fall under this intriguing psychological phenomenon.
The Dorito Theory is helping people understand themselves better by drawing attention to unhealthy lifestyle habits and patterns that they struggle to break free from. More than one situation in my own life has proven this theory right, but I’ve also overcome it by simply understanding my body and mind.
What is the Dorito Theory and how does it affect me?
The Dorito Theory suggests that we humans are maximally “addicted” to short-lived experiences that are never fully satisfying.
The topic sparked a lot of discussion after Celeste Aria explained it in her viral TikTok video and prompted her followers to think about life experiences that fit into this theory.
Celeste uses a Dorito or a potato chip as an example to explain the theory, which premises on the fact that we always go for a second one after eating one.
This is because the taste at its peak lingers in the mouth only for a brief time and our brain is so used to it that we want to keep eating more to achieve temporary satisfaction.
I was surprised to realize how the Dorito Theory explains a lot of my own habits and patterns.
Social media addiction
A couple of months ago, my phone started to heat up while I was using it and at that very moment, I understood how dependent on social media I had grown.
I lost track of time scrolling through endless Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts about everything under the sun. Although the content I consumed was informative and entertaining, I sidelined other aspects of life, beyond the black screen.
The constant interaction with any gadget started to affect my eyesight and worsened my backache from slouching or bending my neck to stare at my phone for hours. Still, I didn’t stop. I would always go back to the short dose of laughter from a 10-second reel and thus, the cycle would continue.
An unhealthy relationship with food and drinks
Although the Dorito Theory brilliantly uses the snack as an example, I have had an unhealthy relationship with a long list of food and drinks.
Soda beverages, especially Coca-Cola, have always been my weakness. I can admit quite shamelessly that I am addicted to the soft drink and can never get enough of it.
Any soda lover would be familiar with the rush of dopamine when you taste the first sip from a freshly unsealed bottle of Coke – a feeling like no other.
It was the same with fried food and I am not too proud of it. Although I try to be as conscious as possible with my food choices, all it takes is one fried dish on the display to get my attention and no sooner, I’ll find myself adding the most fatty dish to the cart.
Exhausting romantic relationships
This one’s quite personal, but a topic that perfectly fits the Dorito Theory. It’s become a running joke among my friends and family that I only attract “toxic people” into my life.
It so happened that most of the people I’ve dated ended up being walking red flags, with the same behavioral pattern that I was strangely and strongly drawn to. I failed to look through the facade, often smitten by the charming personality.
Even if I did get glimpses of toxicity or unhealthy behavior, falling back into the more exciting aspects of dating became addictive.
Going on a shopping spree
I am not big on fashion, but I am addicted to shopping for my pets. Just like the cat owners who are going on and on about the pet couch from ALDI, I want to buy anything and everything for my fur babies.
I am not too invested in whether my three pets would play enough with the existing toys to get them more, but I love the feeling of purchasing adorable toys and treats from the pet shop and seeing my dogs and cat get excited, even if it’s only momentarily.
I find it nigh impossible to not make a stop at the pet store each time I drive past it and no matter how many things I buy for my pets, I am perpetually unsatisfied. Therefore, I came up with these five affordable homemade toys to keep my cat distracted.
What I do to overcome unhealthy habits
It’s hard, but not impossible not to become a victim of the Dorito Theory. I started by being mindful and conscious about everything I did.
I made it a point to only spend limited time on social media and would set an alarm or a reminder to keep my phone away and instead do physical activities.
As for my diet, I had to cut back on the amount of coke I had on almost a daily basis, but I still enjoy it on a cheat day, guilt-free. In my weakest moments, when I am craving some comfort food, I simply reduce the portion and make sure to enjoy smaller bites.
I still struggle with intimate relationships and dating, but a lot of awareness, therapy, and self-education, have made me better at spotting red flags, such as being able to tell if my date is a narcissist.
I would be lying if I said I don’t constantly think about going to the pet store anymore, but I have a small budget in place for pet toys each month to ensure I don’t overdo it.
