Navigating through video content may be further enchanting your boredom, research indicates.
"In our study, we discovered that individuals tend to fast-forward or skip videos to alleviate feelings of boredom, yet this behavior surprising increases feelings of boredom," mentioned Dr. Katy Tam, a psychology postdoctoral fellow at the University of Toronto at Scarborough.
She continued, "This practice not only decreases the satisfaction, engagement, and significance of the viewing experience but also ties into an upward trend in boredom observed among young people from 2008 to 2020."
"Boredom has been linked to detrimental mental health, learning, and behavioral outcomes, such as symptoms of depression, poor academic performance, and even aggressive behavior," added Dr. Tam.
Misconceptions surrounding boredom
To examine the impact of fast-forwarding and switching videos on boredom, researchers conducted two experiments with approximately 1,200 participants, as stated in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General publication dated Monday.
In the first trial, participants experienced two viewing scenarios. The initial scenario involved watching a 10-minute video without the option to switch or fast-forward. The subsequent scenario allowed participants to switch between seven 5-minute videos for a 10-minute period.
The second experiment implemented two rounds of video watching, with participants viewing a 10-minute video in the first round and being permitted to fast-forward or rewind through a 50-minute video in the second round.
Participants anticipated less boredom with the option to switch or fast-forward for both trials but reported feeling more engaged, satisfying, and significant when viewing a single video from beginning to end, according to the study.
"Boredom is highly interconnected with our attention," Dr. Tam explained. "The feeling of boredom arises when there's a discrepancy between the level of engagement we currently have and the level of engagement we desire. When people frequently switch between videos, they're not fully connecting with any individual video and instead are searching for something more compelling."
Understanding boredom
To accurately interpret the significance of this study, it's crucial to delve deeper into the true essence of boredom, suggested Dr. Pamela Rutledge, director of the Media Psychology Research Center, an independent research organization who was not involved in the study.
"A study like this may be misconstrued as another criticism of digital media, but it is essential to recognize boredom as a driving force that motivates us to change our activities," Dr. Rutledge said.
"Boredom, like anger or sadness, is an uncomfortable emotion and is frequently misperceived or trivialized," she continued. "While some may associate boredom with idleness or lack of motivation, it can have both beneficial and harmful effects. Boredom, as with all negative emotions, serves as a signal for us to reassess our activities and search for engaging and rewarding alternatives."
Regarding boredom as a drawback leads individuals to respond swiftly to alleviate their discomfort, while perceiving it as a driving force encourages reflection on meaningful and fulfilling activities, Dr. Rutledge explained.
Escaping the cycle of boredom
In order to break the cycle of scrolling-induced boredom, intention is the key.
"Take a moment before hitting the fast-forward or skip button and find methods to stay engaged during video watching," said Dr. Tam. "Pursuing an immersive experience in a movie theater, where enjoyment is derived from engaging with the content, rather than skimming through it, can serve as a valuable analogy."
Dr. Rutledge further emphasized that, "Recognizing that more and potentially better content is always available online can exacerbate a fear of missing out and hinder rational appraisal, if you aren't mindful of your viewing habits."
Additionally, it's essential to examine the reasons underneath the desire to skip through the videos, as not all content can be stimulating at all times.
"Don't view boredom as a sign of guilt or shame, but rather as a chance to reflect on activities that bring you personal fulfillment and challenge," Dr. Rutledge advised. "Research indicates that activities that encourage the application of a skill in a challenging yet meaningful manner provide a greater sense of satisfaction than those that merely entertain or relax."
Lastly, Dr. Rutledge encourages individuals to "develop a greater awareness of how you use various forms of media."
"Pay close attention to your emotions during media consumption to recognize when a positive experience evolves into a negative one — a brief moment of entertainment with funny cat videos can escalate into a downward spiral of self-doubt," she concluded.
Dr. Tam further discussed the impact of boredom on health and wellness, stating, "Boredom has been linked to various health outcomes, including increased stress, decreased productivity, and even chronic illnesses, making it a significant issue to address."
Considering the role of boredom in daily life, Dr. Rutledge added, "Embracing boredom as a motivation for self-reflection and activity exploration can contribute positively to overall health and wellness, promoting a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle."
