Psychologists have figured out why you get so bored scrolling through TikTok and Instagram

A recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General found that constantly switching between different types of content on social media can actually increase feelings of boredom. The study involved 1,200 participants in seven different experiments, where they were given videos to watch with or without the ability to fast-forward, rewind, or skip. Surprisingly, participants were more satisfied and engaged when forced to watch the whole video without skipping around. This contradicts the common belief that switching between videos helps alleviate boredom. Researchers believe that constantly searching for something more interesting leads to a gap in engagement, causing boredom. The study suggests that fully immersing oneself in an experience and giving it full attention is key to reducing boredom. This research is particularly relevant for young people who are growing up with screens and social media, and may be contributing to increased feelings of boredom among this age group. However, clinical psychologist Stephanie Lee believes that boredom can be a teachable moment for children, helping them learn to manage frustration and regulate their emotions. Adults can model healthy behaviors and encourage children to engage in activities that promote full attention and enjoyment.