
Actress Han So-hee confessed to being addicted to dopamine.
Recently, Han So-hee appeared on the YouTube channel 'Civilization Express' to share her recent news. On that day, Han So-hee was asked whether those in the entertainment industry should chase dopamine or undergo dopamine detox. Han So-hee replied, "I need detox; my frontal lobe is (melted) and gone right now."
Han So-hee also revealed that she has been exploring various content, including the trending reels. She said, "The world is too fast, and there is so much information that I end up knowing things I don't need to know," adding, "I am currently soaked in dopamine because I watch social media without any thought."
Average Monthly YouTube Usage Time for Koreans: 114 Billion Minutes
Modern individuals, who can easily access various information anytime and anywhere, need dopamine detox like Han So-hee. According to an analysis of smartphone usage patterns among Koreans, the average monthly usage time for YouTube from January to November 2025 is projected to be 114 billion minutes. Following that are KakaoTalk (32.4 billion minutes), Instagram (27.9 billion minutes), and Naver (19.1 billion minutes).
People who hold onto their mobile phones for hours while watching various videos are often referred to as dopamine addicts. Continuous exposure to addictive stimuli promotes dopamine production. Dopamine is a substance produced in the brain's nerve cells that sends signals of pleasure and enjoyment.
The longer the mobile phone usage time, the more severe the dopamine addiction becomes. As one continues to seek strong stimuli, the small pleasures in daily life become meaningless. If the degree is severe, it can negatively impact hobbies and interpersonal relationships in reality. Mental health deterioration is also a concern.
Digital Detox: Start by Giving Your Brain a Break
To escape digital addiction, one should start by giving the brain a break. This means temporarily distancing oneself from frequently used electronic devices like mobile phones and computers. The habit of lying in bed watching videos is not rest. While the body is lying down, our brain is exposed to numerous pieces of information and is still working.
If reducing electronic device usage is difficult, one should at least establish and adhere to minimal rules. For example, not using electronic devices 30 minutes or 1 hour before sleeping, or putting electronic devices in a drawer for a certain period. It is also good to check screen time to identify frequently used apps and review the time and purpose of usage.
If you find yourself constantly reaching for your mobile phone, turning off notifications is also a good method. Continuous notifications can decrease concentration and increase distraction. The risk of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is also significant. FOMO refers to the anxiety of feeling left out or excluded, which is the fear of missing out on something.
