In 2014, researchers wanted to understand how people respond to being alone with their own thoughts without a phone call, book or other distraction.
In this study, participants were placed in the room for up to 15 minutes with care for the company. They also had the option to give themselves a mild electric shock. Shockingly (intentional to be pun), 67% of men and 25% of women chose to do just that. why? Because we’re all bored – and we really don’t like it.
Boredness is an indicator of attention
Boredom is a threat to the perceived meaning in life.
But boredom is not just an inconvenience. There is a function. It acts as a psychological signal, temporarily releasing us from what we are doing and pushing us to explore other possibilities.
Boredom is often defined by two important factors: It’s a lack of attention and a lack of meaning. According to Dr. Wijnand van Tilburg, an experimental social psychologist at the University of Essex, “Borry is a threat to perceive meaning in life.”
It stuck to me.
Boredom can actually look for meaning. It appears when you have to do something you feel inconsistent with your goal, or when you have too much autonomy and don’t know what to do next. Either way, it confuses our attention and forces us to ask: “Is this that?”
The advantage is that boredom can lead to curiosity, creativity and exploration. However, there are drawbacks. You can deal with it in an unhealthy way, especially when tasks at hand are still important, such as work or study. You can reach for simple fixes such as scrolling, snacking, overeating, gambling and more. These will relieve discomfort, but do not solve the underlying problem.
It’s a bit like hunger. It can be a powerful incentive to drive innovation. Historically, boredom has given us poetry, games and new ideas. But like hunger, we can give us junk and boredom. In a world full of simple dopamine hits, it is fascinating to treat boredom as a numbing pain rather than a sign of caution.
So, what can we do about boredom?
Start by realizing boredom about what it is: signal
We can start by realizing boredom about what it is: signal – a flag that suggests we are struggling with meaning. We can respond by building more creativity and intentionality into our lives.
For me, it helps me to come out to create. I recently purchased a step tracker. I like goals, so I get outside when I take 10,000 steps a day. Also, it wasn’t the video default and started making several more calls while walking.
You can also avoid passive escapes. This is especially difficult when traveling. I have put a daily time limit alert on social media. I can override it, but it pauses me and says, “Is this really what I need now?”
What captivates me the most is growing research that connects boredom to the quest for meaning. Is this photograph part of the growing interest in spirituality, particularly in Britain’s Christianity? Perhaps we are collectively tired of distracting and craving something deeper.
Interestingly, many of the ancient spiritual practices we explore as humanity provide an effective antidote to boredom, silence, the Sabbath, exams and digital abstinence. These are not merely spiritual fields, but meaningful ways to re-engage ourselves, others, and God.
Boredom is neutral – what do we do with it?
This reflection was inspired by an episode of What’s Up Docs with Dr. S Chris and Zand Van Tulleken from Twin Brothers. It’s worth listening. My main point? Boredom is neutral – what do we do with it? It refers to something deeper: it not only means a crisis, it also has opportunities. A more intentional life, and a deeper spiritual quest for better conversation.
Originally published by the Being Human blog, which is related to the British Evangelical Alliance. It was reissued with permission.
Peter Linas oversees the advocacy team and the alliance work in four British countries. He is passionate about his faith in public squares and leads a human project with Joe Frost. He previously worked as a barrister in Belfast before studying theology at Regent College in Vancouver. Peter is a regular media commentator, married to Rose, has two daughters and loves to run.
