Why You’re More Bored Than Ever: Study Finds Increased Boredom Despite Endless Entertainment
Endless entertainment but still feeling bored? A new study uncovers why digital media may be to blame for the boredom epidemic. 🌐 #News #Lifestyle #Tech #Psychology
ST. PAUL, MN – Boredom seems to be on the rise, even though we’re surrounded by a nearly endless stream of entertainment. A new study suggests that digital media may be contributing to this paradox. Despite the availability of so much online content, people—especially young adults—are feeling more bored than ever before.
The Growing Boredom Epidemic
A study published in Communications Psychology by Katy Y.Y. Tam and Michael Inzlicht reveals an alarming trend: boredom is becoming more common, particularly among adolescents and college students. The research, titled “People Are Increasingly Bored in Our Digital Age,” shows a growing rate of boredom, even as access to digital media continues to expand.
The study highlights the experiences of U.S. secondary school students between 2010 and 2017, where boredom was reported more frequently. A similar rise in boredom was found among Chinese college students between 2009 and 2020, as shown through data from 64 studies.
Digital Media Heightens Boredom
Tam and Inzlicht argue that digital media, rather than providing relief from boredom, may actually be making it worse. They found that engaging with high-stimulation digital media leaves people less interested in lower-stimulation activities, like reading a book or attending a lecture.
The researchers point to other experience-sampling studies, which track boredom levels in real time, to support their theory. Their findings suggest that people report higher levels of boredom after engaging with digital media. According to Tam and Inzlicht, this increase in boredom happens because digital media provides constant, high-stimulation experiences that make everyday tasks seem dull in comparison.
Fragmented Attention and Disconnected Content
One of the study’s key points is that digital media “fragments attention.” The constant distractions, such as notifications and alerts, make it harder for people to focus on a single task. Smartphones, for example, pull attention away from more engaging, face-to-face activities, leading to decreased enjoyment in those moments.
Tam and Inzlicht cite research showing that digital multitasking—like checking your phone while watching TV—also reduces people’s ability to stay engaged. Digital interruptions also disrupt satisfaction, making it harder for people to feel fulfilled by the activity at hand. This constant switching between tasks leads to feelings of boredom, as people are less able to dive deep into any single experience.
The study also found that digital media often delivers fragmented and disconnected information. When people consume content that is quick and unrelated, it leaves them feeling unfulfilled. According to the researchers, this kind of shallow media consumption contributes to the boredom many people feel today.
Navigating Boredom in the Digital Age
Tam and Inzlicht emphasize that learning to navigate boredom may be more important now than ever. In their study’s conclusion, they state, “In this digital age, learning to navigate mundane moments is more critical than ever.” While their research primarily focused on young adults, the broader implications for other age groups remain to be seen.
As digital media continues to shape our lives, it’s becoming increasingly important to find balance and rediscover the value of quieter, less stimulating activities. We’d love to hear your thoughts—how do you feel about the impact of digital media on boredom? Share your comments below!
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