In a recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General , researchers investigate how switching between or within digital media, such as short videos on social media platforms, affects boredom. Study: Fast-forward to boredom: How switching behaviour on digital media makes people more bored. Image Credit: Ground Picture / Shutterstock.
com How the internet has transformed our experience of boredom In today's digital age, accessing entertainment has become incredibly easy, as most people can instantly watch videos or browse social media the instant they feel bored. This convenience might suggest that people are less bored than before; however, several studies have shown that boredom has increased, particularly among young people. Boredom is an unpleasant emotion that occurs when people want to engage in a satisfying activity but cannot.
To avoid this feeling, people often switch between different digital content, like videos or social media posts. However, rather than relieving boredom, this constant switching might make it worse. About the study Researchers conducted seven experiments to explore how switching between digital content, a common response to boredom, might intensify it, thereby resulting in reduced satisfaction and engagement.
The first experiment included 147 participants who watched both boring and interesting videos. Study participants then rated their boredom, satisfaction, and engagement while researchers tracked their digital switching .