Is Technology Killing Boredom?
Boredom is both a benefit and a burden.
Technology may eliminate the nothingness of boredom. When we go walking or jogging, we listen to music and podcasts. When we wait in line, we swipe through social media updates. When we’re tired at the end of the day, we turn on Netflix rather than letting our minds wander. How often do we sit with our boredom, letting our thoughts flow?
The tangible benefits of boredom make it a hard thing for me to give up. I am guilty of listening to podcasts most of the day. But there’s nothing like the moments between bouts of business. Moments where I brew myself a cup of coffee and sit with my thoughts. I make a conscious effort to avoid working or any other distractions during this time. Despite the soothing hum of my laptop and the ringing of my phone, I sit with my thoughts.
Your definition of boredom is likely different than mine. This is also an interesting feature, reflected in both the neuroscience and philosophy of it.
The Cognitive Neuroscience Behind Boredom
Boredom is frustrating to study. Many researchers operationalize boredom to measure it. But this process separates the psychological definition of boredom from our experiences. Often, these definitions may conflict between different studies…