With millions of options to choose from, finding something to entertain you has never been so simple. Whether you’re jumping from TikTok to YouTube or cruising through Netflix, it’s easy to think that constantly switching between videos will keep boredom at bay. But a new study suggests that this digital habit might actually be making us more bored, not less.
Researchers from the University of Toronto published a study in the Journal of Experimental Psychology exploring the paradox of “digital switching.” As it turns out, this behavior, where users rapidly flip between videos or skip over parts of them in search of something more exciting, is fairly counterproductive. Instead of curing boredom, digital switching can intensify it.
“If people want a more enjoyable experience when watching videos, they can try to stay focused on the content and minimize digital switching,” says lead author Katy Tam, PhD. “Just like paying for a more immersive experience in a movie theater, more enjoyment comes from immersing oneself in online videos rather than swiping through them.”
We know that platforms like TikTok and YouTube have designed their algorithms to keep you engaged by offering endless content. But the study suggests that this convenience might be leading to a shallow viewing experience. When you switch between videos, your attention becomes fragmented, making it harder to fully engage with anything. The result? A less satisfying and more boring experience.
Tam and her co-author, Michael Inzlicht, also highlight that attention is closely tied to our sense of meaning and satisfaction. When we constantly switch between content, we miss out on the deeper engagement that makes watching enjoyable. The allure of finding something better with just one more swipe often leaves us feeling unsatisfied.
So next time you find yourself endlessly scrolling or skipping through videos, consider sticking with just one. It might just make your viewing experience a lot more enjoyable.
Title: Study: Jumping Around Digital Media Increases Boredom
URL: https://relevantmagazine.com/culture/study-jumping-around-digital-media-increases-boredom/
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Date: August 19, 2024 at 11:53PM
Feedly Board(s): Religion