Study: Swiping Through Online Videos May Increase Boredom

• Increased Boredom: The study, led by Dr. Katy Tam from the University of Toronto, found that swiping through online videos to alleviate boredom actually increases feelings of boredom rather than reducing them.
• Digital Switching: The behavior of switching between videos or fast-forwarding through them, known as digital switching, fragments attention and makes the content seem less meaningful. This leads to higher levels of boredom and lower satisfaction with the content.
• Experimental Findings: The study involved seven experiments with over 1,200 participants. In these experiments, participants who watched a single video without the option to fast-forward reported feeling less bored and more satisfied compared to those who switched between multiple videos.
• Engagement and Meaning: Immersion in a single video content is more enjoyable and meaningful than constantly switching between different videos. This is analogous to the immersive experience one might have in a movie theater.
• Demographic Variations: The study noted that the effects of digital switching on boredom might vary by age and familiarity with digital media. Experiments with a broader age range showed less pronounced effects, suggesting different viewing habits across age groups.
• Mental Health Implications: Chronic boredom, which can be exacerbated by digital switching, is linked to negative mental health outcomes such as depressive symptoms, anxiety, and sadistic aggression. Therefore, minimizing digital switching could have positive implications for mental health.

Source: American Psychological Association