Dopamine vs. cortisol: a simple framework for which consumer interfaces agents will replace
_AustinCalvert_ · x · 2026-10-26
A simple framework for predicting which consumer interfaces AI agents will replace: does the task induce dopamine or cortisol?
- Cortisol-inducing tasks (research, planning, scheduling, commodity shopping) will have their interfaces replaced by agents
- Dopamine-inducing tasks (TikTok, Instagram, X, discretionary shopping, gambling, dating apps) will stay insulated
The author argues scrolling remains the greatest form factor for delivering refined dopamine, and agents won't change that.
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