Rapidly switching between online videos, a common habit for many smartphone users, could be making us more bored and less engaged with content, according to new research. The study, published by the American Psychological Association, challenges the widespread belief that quickly moving from one video to another alleviates boredom.
The Paradox of Digital Switching
Researchers at the University of Toronto conducted seven experiments involving over 1,200 participants from the United States and Canada. The results consistently showed that “digital switching” – the act of watching short snippets of videos or fast-forwarding through them – actually increased feelings of boredom among viewers.
Dr. Katy Tam, lead author of the study and postdoctoral researcher at the University of Toronto, explained, “If people want a more enjoyable experience when watching videos, they can try to stay focused on the content and minimize digital switching. Just like paying for a more immersive experience in a movie theater, more enjoyment comes from immersing oneself in online videos rather than swiping through them.”
In one experiment, participants watched a single 10-minute YouTube video without the option to fast-forward. In another segment, they were allowed to switch between seven 5-minute videos within a 10-minute timeframe. Surprisingly, viewers reported feeling less bored and found the experience more satisfying, engaging, and meaningful when watching the single, uninterrupted video.
The Deeper Impact of Digital Behavior
This study’s findings have implications beyond mere entertainment. As our digital habits evolve, understanding their psychological effects becomes increasingly important. Dr. Tam suggests that rapid switching between videos may render content meaningless because viewers don’t have time to engage with or understand what they’re watching.
The research also touches on broader concerns about attention spans and mental health in the digital age. While this study didn’t specifically examine the role of attention spans in digital switching behavior, it raises questions about how our online habits might be affecting our ability to focus and find meaning in content.
Previous research has linked chronic boredom to various negative outcomes, including depressive symptoms, anxiety, and risk-taking behavior. If digital switching is indeed contributing to increased boredom, it could have far-reaching consequences for mental health and well-being.
It’s worth noting that the study primarily involved Canadian college students, which may limit its generalizability to other age groups or populations with different levels of experience with digital media.
Why it matters: As we spend more time on smartphones and social media platforms, understanding how our digital behaviors affect our psychological state is crucial. This research suggests that the very habits we’ve developed to combat boredom – quickly swiping through short videos – may be exacerbating the problem. By becoming more aware of these effects, individuals can make informed choices about their media consumption habits, potentially leading to more satisfying and meaningful online experiences.
Future research in this area could explore the long-term effects of digital switching on attention spans, cognitive processing, and overall well-being. Additionally, investigating potential interventions or alternative viewing strategies could provide valuable insights for both consumers and content creators in the digital space.
“Fast-forward to boredom: How switching behavior on digital media makes people more bored,” Katy Y. Y. Tam, PhD, and Michael Inzlicht, PhD, University of Toronto, Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, published online Aug. 19, 2024.
