Psychology In The News | Social Media and Boredom

In our hyper-connected world, smartphones offer endless entertainment at our fingertips. Yet, a recent study by Tam and Inzlicht (2024) suggests that rapidly switching between online video content such as that found on YouTube and TikTok might increase our boredom rather than alleviate it.

The researchers conducted multiple studies to explore how ‘digital switching’ (the tendency to switch between videos and/or fast forward through them) impacts boredom levels. In the main experiment, participants who watched a single 10-minute video (without switching) reported feeling less bored than those who could switch between multiple shorter videos. Similar results were found when comparing participants who watched a YouTube video straight through versus those who could skip back and forth.

Interestingly, over 50% of participants reported switching videos because they felt bored, and they believed that switching would help them relieve that boredom. However, doing this made them feel more bored. The researchers suggest that constant switching may disrupt our attention and reduce immersion in content, ultimately heightening our sense of boredom.

This study challenges our assumptions about digital media consumption and boredom. While it may seem counterintuitive, the findings suggest that sometimes slowing down and engaging with content more deeply might be the key to combating boredom in our fast-paced digital world.

As we navigate the endless stream of online content, it's worth considering how our viewing habits might be affecting our psychological well-being. Perhaps by resisting the urge to constantly switch between videos, we can cultivate more satisfying and engaging digital experiences.

Reference: https://www.bps.org.uk/researc... (accessed 1.10.24)

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS!

1. What was the independent variable in the main experiment described in this study?

2. What design was used in the main experiment?

3. Explain one problem of using this design in this study.

4. How could the researchers use a repeated measures design to further investigate this area?

5. What limitations might there be of using self-report measures to assess boredom in this study?

CHALLENGE / DISCUSSION: Based on the study's findings, what strategies might you suggest to someone looking to reduce boredom while consuming online content?