Today, we have access to information and entertainment on a scale far greater than that of any previous generation. Yet people are feeling increasingly “bored.” For many people, there is no longer any silence in the mind or time spent doing nothing. As different social media platforms and search engines are within hand’s reach, dopamine is constantly and rapidly released, and your interest is always piqued.
If entertainment is so readily available, why is everybody bored?
Some might argue that entertainment is needed for relaxation and serves as a break from the struggles of the real world and the effort you put in throughout your day. You may think that a constant source of entertainment or stimulation is beneficial, but it ultimately has adverse effects. We firmly believe that getting used to boredom and pursuing creative activities in your downtime doesn’t take that much more energy out of you. When somebody’s average brain stimulation is lower, entertainment and fun feel more significant or rewarding, and creative activities can promote this effect. If a person’s habits aren’t changed, the human brain will quickly grow used to short-term stimulation and start to depend on it. Boredom is no longer a lack of something to do, but a lack of something to do that contains any meaningful engagement. When scrolling through an app like TikTok, you may realize you have completely forgotten the video you watched ten or so minutes ago. You may not particularly enjoy watching a bunch of these videos, wasting an hour or two at a time, but ultimately, you will still be pulled to it because of the way the content is organized. In this case, these apps don’t really yield true entertainment. Additionally, the left side of your brain is being used during the day when you are at work or school, and the right side of your brain isn’t used extensively until you decide to engage in creative ventures during that window of relaxation. Meaning that the analytical parts of your brain still get a break without your brain being fully turned off. When this fast-paced stimulation leads to a feeling of emptiness, occupied yet barely fulfilled, ironically, boredom is the main result. Yet fast-paced stimulation could be replaced with personal hobbies of your own.
If social media is detrimental to one’s mental health, why do so many people use it?
The truth is, many can not stop. This reliance is exactly what social media companies have purposefully created; they prioritize profit and use tactics many people consider manipulative. You are supposed to become “hooked” on this fast-paced content. We are no different from everyone else when it comes to social media and online activity. There is no shame in using these social media platforms. The key lies in moderation and awareness. If it interferes with your daily life, relationships, or mental health, it is important to address the issue and make the change that works best for you.
How can you make a positive change in your social media habits?
Change can look different for everybody. It all depends on what you want and what you are most comfortable with. Some people are perfectly fine with rejecting social media altogether. Others would much rather limit their use while keeping it part of their lives. If you struggle to slow down or stop, consider adding a hobby or new activity you have always wanted to try to your schedule. By including something you are passionate about or care about, you may see an improvement in your mood or a general positive change in your life. While we may enjoy certain activities, whatever you take an interest in can work as an alternative to social media.
In conclusion, your health and your life are more important than social media. If you begin to notice negative effects, it may be best to make a change; as with anything, moderation and safety should be your top priorities. It is time for us to relearn how to subsume boredom in our lives, as it will boost our creativity, give us more time to make our own ideas a reality, and, since much of the entertainment we consume in the modern day results in boredom anyway, it will help. In other words, it’s possible that boredom could change your life for the better.
