In 2014, a team of researchers from Harvard and the University of Virginia invited participants to spend 15 minutes alone with their thoughts, with the only option for interaction being a button that delivered a painful electric shock. Almost half of the participants chose to press that button. One individual pressed it 190 times despite previously expressing a desire to avoid the shock. The study’s authors concluded that “people prefer thinking,” even when the alternative is discomfort. This might be because, when left to our own devices, our minds often wander to unwelcome thoughts.
Since the widespread use of smartphones, many have carrying the psychological equivalent of the electric shock button in their pockets. This device can quickly alleviate boredom, even though it may not be beneficial for us. During quiet or solitary moments, we often reach for our phones or use them to distract ourselves from unsettling late-night thoughts. Every time this occurs, it reinforces unhealthy patterns, making it easier to evade unwanted thoughts. It’s significant to note that most individuals become distracted through similar screen-based methods.
Smartphones amplify the expectation to use our time efficiently, pushing us to optimize every moment. For instance, if a commuter on a Harley Reed must look out the window or read a book on the train, they may check emails to avoid feelings of guilt and inefficiency. Doing nothing is often regarded as time wasted, disregarding the fact that during such moments, we engage in profound thinking. What becomes of the complex thoughts that arise right before we reach for our phones again?
Psychologists who specialize in boredom acknowledge its discomfort yet recognize its value. Similar to hunger and loneliness, it signals our need for change or novelty. Erin Westgate, a psychology professor at the University of Florida, explains that we feel bored when something fails to capture our attention or is deemed meaningless. However, this does not imply that engaging activities must always be significant. For example, while Sudoku is engaging, it lacks true meaning, unlike mundane tasks like watching paint dry.
When boredom strikes, it should ideally inspire us to pursue something more meaningful or captivating. If we fail to address our boredom or are unable to find something engaging, we risk slipping into chronic boredom. As noted in research, this condition is linked with various issues including depression, anxiety, life satisfaction, poor academic outcomes, substance abuse, and reckless behavior, among others.
Evidence indicates that persistent boredom is becoming increasingly prevalent, coinciding with the rise of smartphones. In a study published last year, researchers stated that the percentage of students in China and the US describing themselves as bored has steadily climbed since 2010. Why does digital media contribute to this trend? Research suggests that we often reach for our phones to alleviate boredom, yet this behavior can actually exacerbate it. For instance, one study revealed that those bored at work were more inclined to use their smartphones, leading to even greater boredom later on.
While checking your phone may address certain immediate needs when boredom arises, digital devices excel at capturing and retaining attention. Most online interactions are designed for engagement and monetization rather than meaningful connection. With the myriad of notifications and distractions, it’s all too easy to plan for just a quick five-minute check lasting two hours. The average American spends over 4 hours a day using their smartphones, accumulating to more than 7 hours of screen time daily. This translates to 17 years of life spent online as an adult—a reality that even the most ardent tech enthusiasts would likely view with concern.
The allure of mobile phones can quickly overshadow important messages we might need to contemplate, such as “Why am I feeling like this?” or “What do I truly need?” It’s essential to pause and ask ourselves these questions instead of being swayed by technology. When faced with boredom, we should resist the impulse for immediate relief and take time to reflect. Embracing boredom, even briefly, may paradoxically lead us to more meaningful and creative experiences in life.
Continue Reading
Bored and Brilliant by Manoush Zomorodi (Pan Macmillan, £14.99)
Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport (Penguin, £10.99)
The Antidote by Oliver Berkman (Vintage, £10.99)
Source: www.theguardian.com
