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Embracing Boredom: What We Can Learn From Media Psychology

As far as emotions go, boredom is no one’s favorite. But it has an important role in our lives – and often shapes how we use media. Research from the Journal of Media Psychology showed that boredom isn’t just about the way we’re feeling, it’s a sign to change what we’re doing that can lead to growth. Let’s look at how our media choices when we’re bored can impact our emotional well-being.

black pug puppy looking bored in a chair

What is Boredom?

Boredom is often thought of as a sign of laziness or having no purpose, but psychological research shows it’s an emotional state that signals the need for change. Boredom can be caused by different things. Both low engagement, like when we’re stuck with repetitive tasks, and overstimulation, when we get too much information and feel overwhelmed, can lead to boredom.

Boredom’s Role in Media Use

Media psychology studies show that how we use media to cope with boredom is highly individualized and what’s causing boredom shapes how we react. Some people will choose media like thought-provoking podcasts or shows to give them a feeling of accomplishment. Others may look for something more passive, like watching feel-good TV or scrolling through social media, because they want to relax. When we pay attention to the root source of our boredom it can help us choose activities that match our needs.

With our phones always within reach, it’s tempting to use them for a quick escape. But not all digital media is effective at reducing boredom. New research in the Journal of Experimental Psychology shows some types of media can make it worse. They found that digital switching – or rapidly skipping through or switching between videos – can make us feel more bored and less satisfied. Instead of rapidly taking in a lot of content, try a single piece of content and see if it gives you the downtime you crave to truly recharge and improve your mood.

Other research has shown that engaging with nature — even virtually — can improve our mood. Adding nature-themed media, like calming nature videos or podcasts, to your boredom-fighting screen time can have similar uplifting effects as the real thing. It’s a simple way to bring a bit of the outdoors into your digital world and make your media use more refreshing and positive.

Embracing Boredom

The key to working with boredom is not just in how we use media, but in how we think of boredom itself. Instead if jumping to easy distractions, it can be beneficial to think of boredom as a natural part of life. Allowing yourself to sit with boredom can lead to unexpected benefits, like sparking creativity, encouraging introspection, and promoting personal growth.

Next time you feel bored, resist the urge to immediately reach for a distraction. Instead, think of it as a signal to explore more fulfilling activities. Whether it’s diving into a creative project, reflecting on your thoughts, or simply letting your mind wander, these moments can become opportunities for deeper thought and well-being. By seeing boredom as a chance to engage in more meaningful experiences, we can transform what’s often seen as a negative emotional state into a powerful tool for personal development.

Read More

To dive deeper into the concepts discussed in this article, you can explore the following sources: