Is Boredom Dangerous? How Our Modern Lives Fuel a Hidden Psychological Crisis

Monday, August 26, 2024. driving back home from visiting my son in Virginia.I’m back in my clinical office tomorrow.

As a family therapist, I observe the impact of this boredom-driven behavior in relationships and communities.

The rise of boredom in the digital age has far-reaching consequences, from interpersonal conflicts to broader societal issues, such as the appeal of populism and radical ideologies.

Understanding the role of boredom is crucial in addressing these challenges and helping folks find more fulfilling and meaningful ways to engage with the world around them.

The Hidden Dangers of Modern Boredom: A Family Therapist's Perspective

In today’s digital world, where boredom seems banished by the likes of TikTok and YouTube, many people believe that this once-common emotional state is a thing of the past.

However, as a family therapist, I see that boredom is not only alive and well, but also more dangerous and pervasive than ever before. This is not just an annoyance—it's a significant psychological issue with roots deep in history.

The Evolution of Boredom as a Concept

I was not surprised to learn that boredom, as a distinct emotional state, is a relatively modern concept.

The term “boredom” itself only entered the English language in the mid-19th century, popularized by Charles Dickens in his 1853 novel Bleak House, where he described the character Lady Dedlock as "bored to death."

Before this period, what we now call boredom was often referred to as acedia—a state of listlessness or torpor, which in medieval times was considered a sin of sloth.

Acedia was a spiritual malaise, often experienced by monks who found their monastic routine stifling and unfulfilling. It was thought to be a moral failing, a loss of connection with God.

As the Industrial Revolution took hold in the 18th and 19th centuries, society’s relationship with time and work began to change dramatically.

With the advent of repetitive factory work and a rigid structure to the workday, people began to experience time in a new way. The monotonous nature of factory jobs, coupled with the decline of agrarian lifestyles, which were more attuned to natural rhythms, led to the rise of a new form of existential discontent.

This shift laid the groundwork for the modern understanding of boredom as both a personal and societal problem.

Boredom in the Modern Age

In the 20th century, the rise of consumer culture further transformed the experience of boredom. As mass production made goods more accessible, the notion of leisure time emerged, creating a new space where boredom could thrive.

Folks were no longer just bored at work; they could be bored at home, in their free time, surrounded by a growing array of consumer goods meant to alleviate their ennui.

Philosophers and social critics began to take note. Martin Heidegger, a German philosopher, addressed boredom in his 1929/30 lecture course, later published as The Fundamental Concepts of Metaphysics.

Heidegger saw boredom as a fundamental aspect of human existence, revealing our relationship to time and being.

He distinguished between three forms of boredom: being bored by something, becoming bored with something, and profound boredom, which he saw as a deep existential state where one becomes aware of the emptiness of existence.

The French sociologist Henri Lefebvre also explored the concept of boredom in his critique of everyday life, arguing that boredom was a symptom of the alienation caused by modern capitalism. He believed that as work became more fragmented and disconnected from meaningful activity, people increasingly experienced life as monotonous and empty, leading to a sense of pervasive boredom.

The Psychological and Social Implications of Boredom

In the post-war era, as technology advanced and the pace of life accelerated, boredom became both more common and more complex. The advent of television, and later the internet, introduced new ways to fill time, but also new ways for boredom to manifest. Today, despite—or perhaps because of—the endless stream of entertainment available at our fingertips, boredom is more prevalent than ever.

Recent studies show that our constant connectivity, particularly through social media, has paradoxically increased feelings of boredom.

A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research in 2016 found that the more folks use social media, the more likely they are to experience boredom, as the barrage of information overloads the brain and diminishes the satisfaction derived from any single activity.

As a therapist, I see the consequences of this modern form of boredom in my practice. Boredom is no longer just a passing feeling; it’s a chronic condition that can lead to anxiety, depression, and destructive behavior.

When folks are unable to find meaning or engagement in their daily lives, they may turn to risky behaviors—substance abuse, gambling, or even violence—as a way to escape the discomfort of their own minds.

Research supports this: a study in the Journal of Behavioral Decision Making found that boredom is linked to increased risk-taking behavior, as humans seek out stimulation to break the monotony.

Boredom and Its Impact on Relationships

In family dynamics, boredom can be particularly toxic.

Relationships often suffer when partners or family members become bored with one another or with the routines of daily life.

This can lead to a breakdown in communication, infidelity, or disengagement.

Children and adolescents, in particular, are vulnerable to the effects of boredom, which can manifest as behavioral problems or withdrawal from family activities.

As boredom drives them to seek out more exciting or risky behaviors, the family unit can become strained, leading to conflicts and a sense of disconnection.

Moreover, boredom has been linked to the rise of populism and radical ideologies.

Are the Woke and MAGA bored?

Final thoughts

As people feel increasingly disengaged and disconnected from their communities and the larger society, they may be more susceptible to extreme viewpoints that promise a break from the monotony of everyday life.

This is particularly evident in the way social media platforms exploit boredom, drawing people into echo chambers that reinforce divisive and often dangerous ideologies.

Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.

REFERENCES:

Toohey, P. (2011). Boredom: A Lively History. Yale University Press.

Mann, S., & Cadman, R. (2014). Does Being Bored Make Us More Creative? Creativity Research Journal, 26(2), 165-173.

Wilson, T. D., Reinhard, D. A., Westgate, E. C., Gilbert, D. T., Ellerbeck, N., Hahn, C., & Shaked, A. (2014). Just think: The challenges of the disengaged mind. Science, 345(6192), 75-77.

Bench, S. W., & Lench, H. C. (2013). On the Function of Boredom. Behavioral Sciences, 3(3), 459-472.

van Tilburg, W. A. P., & Igou, E. R. (2019). Boredom increases impulsiveness: A meaning-regulation approach. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 116(2), 333-353.

Heidegger, M. (1995). The Fundamental Concepts of Metaphysics: World, Finitude, Solitude. Indiana University Press.

Lefebvre, H. (1991). Critique of Everyday Life. Verso.