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Aug 21, 2024 01:08 PM IST
Watching videos on digital media distracts us and increases our boredom. A new study sheds light on this.
It is a common habit of all of us – when we get bored, we take out our phones and start scrolling videos. The unlimited content available online makes it easy for us to access the type of content we want to watch. Sometimes, apps fix the algorithms based on our viewing habits. This makes it difficult for us to get out of the cycle of scrolling videos. It is usually seen as a habit to beat boredom – however, a recent study says that it may even make our boredom worse.
This research by the University of Toronto was conducted to study people’s interesting habit of watching entertaining videos to relieve boredom. However, the study showed that this habit can further increase boredom. Katie Tam, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Toronto and lead author of the study, said that the way to get entertainment from watching videos and not increase your boredom is to focus on the content and minimize digital switching.
What is digital switching?
Digital platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Netflix have revolutionised the way we consume content. In these applications, people watch short videos that may or may not hold their attention. Sometimes people watch videos to find something interesting and stimulating. This habit – also known as digital switching – can make boredom worse instead of eliminating it.
The study further states that being immersed in a single subject is more enjoyable than switching content frequently. The results suggest that digital switching can lead to increased boredom, reduced satisfaction, decreased attention and reduced understanding of meaning.
How switching to digital can lead to boredom
When we scroll digital content, we tend to skip the boring parts – by this logic, we should effectively eliminate boredom. However, this is not the case because boredom is closely related to attention. When we are fully immersed in viewing a single piece of content, we are focused, and we find it worthwhile. However, meaningless scrolling fragments our attention span and makes us feel more bored.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor for any questions about any medical condition.
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