Published August 23, 2025 | By Alyx E, Founder of Collectors MD

When COVID-19 hit, the world shut down. For many of us, collecting became a lifeline. With nowhere to go and nothing to do, many of us were introduced to modern-day break culture—the hobby exploded—virtual engagement, marketplace scrolling, social media galore.

It was natural to gravitate toward community, connection, and nostalgia during lockdown. But as Dr. Shah reminded us when he joined us for Episode #7 of The Collector’s Compass, this “boom” carried its own hidden cost: it sparked what could only be described as a pandemic within the pandemic.

At first, a simple base card or parallel of your favorite player was more than enough enough. But over time, the dopamine baseline shifted—heavily.

The joy once sparked by a pack of cards now required a numbered auto, a super short print case hit insert, a one-of-one.

As Dr. Shah explained, “that baseline of dopamine starts to elevate… until the original baseline is dissolved“.

What started as a pandemic pastime quickly became a pandemic within a pandemic. The resurgence of sports cards wasn’t just about nostalgia—it also fueled cycles of compulsion that many are still struggling with today.

What began as fun soon evolved into dependency, mirroring the same tolerance patterns seen in substance abuse and alcohol addiction. And with 24/7 access to breaks, auctions, and streams in the palm of our hands—no matter where you were located in the world—the cycle became relentless.

The real pandemic eventually ended. But for many collectors, the dopamine pandemic was just beginning. The accessibility of apps, constant exposure to hits on social media, and normalization of gambling-like mechanics made it harder than ever to unplug. For some, disappointment, anxiety, and even depression filled the gaps where the next dopamine hit didn’t land.

Looking back, it’s clear: what started as a way to connect during isolation left many isolated in a different way—trapped in a cycle of compulsion.

That’s why awareness, boundaries, and reform matter so much today. Because this “second” pandemic hasn’t gone away. It’s still here, still spreading, and it’s up to us to build the guardrails that the industry refuses to.

At Collectors MD, we believe in naming these truths—not to shame collectors, but to shine a light on what too many are silently battling. The “first” pandemic ended, but this one won’t unless we fight it together.

#CollectorsMD
The pandemic ended, but the dopamine pandemic kept spreading. Together, we can help spread awareness to ultimately slow it down.

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