A new study by Canadian scientists from the University of Toronto, published in the journal Communications Psychology, has revealed a link between the spread of digital technologies and the growing sense of boredom in modern people, writes gazeta.ru.
National surveys show an alarming trend: the level of boredom has reached a historical maximum, especially among young people after 2009. Considering that chronic boredom can provoke anxiety, depression and aggressive behavior, the researchers studied this phenomenon in detail.
It turned out that digital media create a kind of “stimulation trap”. A constant stream of vivid impressions on social networks, which has evolved from text to images and short videos, forms inflated expectations of reality. As a result, traditional activities, such as reading books or attending lectures, seem insufficiently exciting.
Moreover, multitasking and endless notifications on smartphones destroy the ability to concentrate for a long time. Constant interruptions reduce satisfaction from the tasks performed and make it difficult to deeply immerse yourself in the process.
Scientists have also noted that the fragmentation of information in the digital space undermines the sense of meaningfulness of what is happening. Paradoxically, the abundance of digital stimulation leads to an increase in boredom, raising the thresholds of engagement and blurring the ability to focus.