Scrolling through online videos is not a good remedy for boredom

Thanks to the world of online video, we can be transported from one side of the planet to the other with the click of a mouse. But have you ever wondered about the paradox that after you “digitally switch” – that is, switch from one video to another to quell your boredom – you get even more bored?

This phenomenon has been studied in depth in recent studies. And the results? Well, they might make you rethink your video-watching habits.

The study, published by the American Psychological Association, surveyed more than 1,200 participants – both from the US population and from academic researchers at the University of Toronto.

Digital switching and boredom

The mastermind behind this insightful study is Dr. Katy Tam. She is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Toronto and has earned her stripes researching the nuances of the human psyche.

“If people want to have more fun watching videos, they can try to focus on the content and minimize digital switching. Just like paying for a more immersive experience at the cinema, it's more fun to immerse yourself in online videos rather than swiping through them,” Dr Tam noted.

Watch online videos to kill boredom

In seven experiments, participants were asked to engage in various video activities. In the baseline experiments, participants switched from one online video to another when they were bored.

In contrast, other experiments had participants watch a single 10-minute YouTube video without the option to fast-forward. Alternatively, they could switch between multiple five-minute videos within the same 10-minute time frame. You'd think switching would be less boring, right? Quite the opposite, according to Dr. Tam's findings.

Participants reported that they were less bored when watching a single video and found the viewing experience more satisfying, exciting, and meaningful than when jumping from video to video.

Impact of digital switchover

The findings from Dr. Tam’s research raise important questions about the consequences of our increasingly fragmented online viewing habits.

In our fast-paced, digital environment, we can easily underestimate the impact of constant switching on our ability to engage and be satisfied.

The sheer availability of content often leads users to seek novelty rather than depth, potentially reducing the overall enjoyment and meaning of video consumption.

As we navigate this landscape of competing stimuli, it is important to consider how our choices shape not only our immediate experiences but also our longer-term relationship with digital media.

Suggestions for conscious viewing

A more fulfilling digital experience for viewers can benefit from a more mindful approach to video watching.

This may include taking time to watch television without distractions, favoring longer formats that encourage greater engagement, and consciously selecting content that matches one's own interests and values.

This approach could enable individuals to develop a more appreciative relationship with audiovisual media – transforming passive consumption into a more enriching and enjoyable experience.

Ultimately, by redefining our engagement with online video, we not only improve our entertainment but also contribute to our overall well-being in the digital age.

Online videos do not necessarily contribute to boredom

The results of this study may make us rethink our coping mechanisms against boredom. Perhaps it is better to stick with one video and absorb its content rather than fluttering from one video to the next like digital butterflies.

Note that this study did not examine whether short attention spans contribute to increased boredom or switching between online videos. Because participants in several experiments were primarily Canadian college students, there might be differences based on age or experience with digital media.

While we love to pull out our smartphones while waiting in line, previous studies have shown that smartphone use can promote boredom. Moreover, digital hopping could be another source of boredom, with potentially negative consequences for mental health.

So next time you find yourself mindlessly scrolling through an endless stream of videos, remember the words of Dr. Tam. Hit the pause button on your digital switcher and who knows, you might find yourself less bored. Aren't we all striving to enjoy online content more and be less bored?

The study was published in Journal of Experimental Psychology.

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