Scrolling, zapping videos... does it really kill boredom?

Social media and short video platforms have pervaded our daily lives, offering an abundance of content to fill our idle moments.

However, a recent study from the University of Toronto Scarborough warns against the illusion of entertainment these videos might offer. Contrary to what one might think, switching from one video to another—a behavior known as "digital switching"—could actually intensify boredom rather than alleviate it.


Dr. Katy Tam, a researcher at the University of Toronto, led the study, with the results published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General.

By analyzing the behaviors of over 1,200 participants, the research team found that those who could quickly switch from one video to another felt more pronounced boredom than those who watched a video entirely. Indeed, digital switching diminishes attention and satisfaction, making the viewing experience less engaging and meaningful.

During the experiment, participants first watched a 10-minute video with no option to switch to another. In a second phase, they could freely navigate between several shorter videos. The results are clear: participants found the experience more enjoyable and less boring when they focused on a single video. This conclusion also applies to experiences where participants could skip forward or backward in longer videos.

Katy Tam emphasizes that the increased boredom linked with digital switching could have broader consequences, particularly among young people. The phenomenon could lead to depressive symptoms, anxiety, and aggressive behaviors. Indeed, chronic boredom is often associated with negative effects on mental health.

To avoid these effects, Katy Tam advises limiting digital changes during video viewing by fully focusing on the content. This approach could not only reduce boredom but also make the viewing experience more immersive and satisfying, much like a movie theater session.

Finally, the researchers wish to further explore the impact of age and digital habits on this relationship between boredom and digital switching. It seems that how individuals consume videos online could vary significantly according to these factors.