People are ending their relationships after learning about the 'Doritos theory'

When you think of reasons as to why a relationship may end, the likes of cheating and constant bickering come to mind.

However, you probably don't associate a theory based around the snack Doritos as a reason for deciding to call it quits with your other half.

But relationship breakups seem to be very different in 2024 as the Doritos theory is now gathering pace on social media, particularly on TikTok with more than half a million views.

So, you are probably thinking how on earth the cheesy snacks can relate to your relationship status?

Well, thankfully, we have TikTok content creators on hand to explain the meaning behind the theory.

According to one popular video, the theory is based around the idea that if you find yourself eating Dorito after Dorito without giving much thought then that could correlate to other areas and people in your life.

But how does that work?

Further explaining the bizarre theory, TikTok user Celeste Aria said: “The idea is that only experiences that aren't truly satisfying are maximally addictive.

"So imagine eating Doritos. When you eat a Dorito and finish your bite, you're not fully satisfied.

"It’s not the same as eating a steak or eating really satiating food that's high in protein, where after you bite you really feel that fullness and that warmth of satisfaction.

She further explained that eating a chip is addictive because 'the peak of the experience is kind of when you're first tasting it and not after' and that 'the experience itself is not satisfying in the end'.

While useful for relationships, the TikToker went on to suggest the theory could apply to ‘lots of very addictive things in life’ - such as social media consumption.

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"With Dorito theory - just this idea that things that aren’t actually satisfying are the ones that are maximally addictive and that’s why I want them - I think I can identify those areas and try to avoid them more effectively.” she said.

She then recommended that people try to remove something that 'falls in the Dorito category'.

Of course, while it might sound like an unconventional way of explaining it, there is some merit to it according psychologist Reneé Carr.

"Not experiencing satiation when engaging in a particular activity or in a relationship can influence you into staying in a situation that is not truly satisfying, not healthy and not happy," she told USA Today.

“Because you experience just enough satisfaction, we mistakenly think that full satisfaction is possible – leading us to stay longer or invest more energy unnecessarily.”

And it seems the theory has resonated with fellow TikTok users.

"Wow this is game changing," one person penned.

"Yes. The men who barely give me what i need. I’ve been learning to give them up quicker once i find out," a second added.

"My situationship is defo a Dorito," a third remarked.

A fourth said: "You just improved my life my dear! *relabels that man in my phone as Dorito*."