Paradox of choice? Study reveals how endless digital options are fueling boredom and impacting mental health

A study reveals that digital media use may paradoxically increase boredom, affecting mental health by raising engagement expectations, fragmenting attention, and reducing a sense of meaning.

Sunita Iyer

First Published Nov 14, 2024, 7:00 AM IST | Last Updated Nov 14, 2024, 7:00 AM IST

In an era of unprecedented access to digital entertainment, a new study published in Communications Psychology suggests that people are experiencing higher levels of boredom than ever before, with potential implications for mental health and well-being. Researchers Katy Y.Y. Tam and Michael Inzlicht argue that digital media, despite providing a constant stream of stimuli, may actually be increasing boredom, especially among adolescents and young adults.

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The study sheds light on a surprising paradox: although entertainment is now more accessible than at any time in history, national surveys reveal that feelings of boredom are rising, particularly among younger generations. Adolescents and college students, in particular, have reported heightened boredom levels since 2009. The paper suggests that this uptick in boredom is not just trivial; it has implications for mental health, as chronic boredom has been linked to anxiety, depression, and even aggressive behaviours.

Tam and Inzlicht propose that the structure and design of digital media may actually fuel, rather than relieve, feelings of boredom. Through a review of existing research, they suggest three main mechanisms by which digital media may be affecting people’s engagement and satisfaction:

Higher Engagement Expectations: Digital media constantly provides quick, highly engaging content that sets a high bar for stimulation. The study notes how social media has evolved from text to short-form videos, demanding ever-greater attention and reinforcing the expectation for fast, intense engagement. This leads users to feel bored with slower-paced activities, such as reading a book or attending a lecture.
Fragmented Attention: Smartphones and other digital devices offer constant distractions, making it difficult for people to sustain focus on a single activity. This fragmented attention has been shown to lower satisfaction and increase the likelihood of boredom. The mere presence of a smartphone, for example, has been found to reduce enjoyment during face-to-face interactions, while multitasking—like browsing social media while watching TV—can also contribute to restlessness and boredom.
Reduced Sense of Meaning: Digital media often delivers fragmented, unrelated content, which can reduce users’ sense of coherence and meaning. Studies show that people frequently feel a sense of meaninglessness after consuming quick bits of online information. This leads to a cycle where users switch between different pieces of content, hoping to find something fulfilling, but often end up feeling hollow and unsatisfied.

While Tam and Inzlicht’s analysis primarily focuses on adolescents and young adults, the authors acknowledge that more research is needed to determine whether these findings hold true across different age groups and cultural backgrounds. However, they emphasize that the implications are significant: understanding why people increasingly turn to digital media—and often feel bored afterward—could be key to addressing the negative effects on mental health and well-being.

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The paper, titled People Are Increasingly Bored in Our Digital Age, calls for further investigation into how digital environments shape our expectations for engagement and highlights the potential for a broader societal impact. With digital devices now ubiquitous, the study suggests it may be time to rethink our relationship with technology and its role in our daily lives.

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