Mindless Scrolling: The Cure for Boredom or Just Making It Worse?

Mindless Scrolling: The Cure for Boredom or Just Making It Worse?
๐Ÿ‘‹ Hi, I am Mark. I am a strategic futurist and innovation keynote speaker. I advise governments and enterprises on emerging technologies such as AI or the metaverse. My subscribers receive a free weekly newsletter on cutting-edge technology.

Could your endless scrolling be the very reason youโ€™re bored out of your mind?

A recent study from the University of Toronto Scarborough reveals that mindlessly scrolling through videos, thinking it will relieve boredom, can actually make you feel more bored.

The research, led by postdoctoral researcher Katy Y.Y. Tam, involved over 1,200 participants and found that โ€œdigital switchingโ€ โ€” the habit of flicking through content โ€” amplifies boredom rather than alleviates it.

In controlled experiments, participants who skipped through videos or fast-forwarded content reported feeling less satisfied and more disengaged compared to those who watched a single video in full. This counterintuitive finding challenges our instinct to endlessly search for entertainment, suggesting that sitting with a single, longer piece of content might actually be more fulfilling.

As boredom rises in an age of limitless content, are we simply making it worse by constantly chasing the next distraction?

Read the full article on Washington Post.

----

๐Ÿ’ก If you enjoyed this content, be sure to download my new app for a unique experience beyond your traditional newsletter.

This is one of many short posts I share daily on my app, and you can have real-time insights, recommendations and conversations with my digital twin via text, audio or video in 28 languages! Go to my PWA at app.thedigitalspeaker.com and sign up to take our connection to the next level! ๐Ÿš€

upload in progress, 0

If you are interested in hiring me as your futurist and innovation speaker, feel free to complete the below form.

I agree with the Terms and Privacy Statement
Dr Mark van Rijmenam

Dr Mark van Rijmenam

Dr. Mark van Rijmenam, widely known as The Digital Speaker, isnโ€™t just a #1-ranked global futurist; heโ€™s an Architect of Tomorrow who fuses visionary ideas with real-world ROI. As a global keynote speaker, Global Speaking Fellow, recognized Global Guru Futurist, and 5-time author, he ignites Fortune 500 leaders and governments worldwide to harness emerging tech for tangible growth.

Recognized by Salesforce as one of 16 must-know AI influencers , Dr. Mark brings a balanced, optimistic-dystopian edge to his insightsโ€”pushing boundaries without losing sight of ethical innovation. From pioneering the use of a digital twin to spearheading his next-gen media platform Futurwise, he doesnโ€™t just talk about AI and the futureโ€”he lives it, inspiring audiences to take bold action. You can reach his digital twin via WhatsApp at: +1 (830) 463-6967.

Share