Mind-Wandering in the Age of Overstimulation: The Mental Health Impact of Boredom

 

Dr. Ransirini de Silva & Dr. Ruwan M. Jayatunge

Boredom is an underexplored but significant emotional state with implications for mental health. In the modern digital age—where attention is continually stimulated and information is instantaneously accessible—the experience of boredom may be more frequent, and perhaps more distressing, than in previous generations.

Boredom is a transient affective state commonly perceived as dull or unpleasant. O’Hanlon (1981) described it as arising from monotonous tasks or limited external stimulation, while Barbalet (1999) conceptualized it as a discrete emotional experience. Typically regarded as negative (Danckert et al., 2018), boredom prompts individuals to seek novelty or escape the perceived stagnation, often resulting in mind-wandering and restlessness.

Universally, boredom is defined as the aversive state of wanting, but being unable, to engage in satisfying activity (Eastwood et al., 2012). Deng et al. (2022) associate boredom with self-dysregulation and attentional failure. It has also been linked to increased nostalgia (van Tilburg et al., 2012) and may reflect a lack of progress toward personally meaningful goals (van Hooft et al., 2018) or meaningful relationships, accompanied by diminished control over one’s life (Steele et al., 2013).

Despite its ubiquity, boredom remains understudied in the field of mental health (Bench & Lench, 2013). It is often identified as a symptom of diminished meaning or purpose (Binnema, 2004) and a precursor to impulsive behaviors (Dittmar & Drury, 2000). Associations have been found between boredom and substance misuse (Lee et al., 2006), problem gambling (Mercer et al., 2010), and reduced performance in academic and occupational settings (Li et al., 2024). Students experiencing boredom may underperform, while employees facing job boredom may suffer decreased productivity and deteriorating well-being.

Importantly, boredom has also been associated with serious psychological concerns. It is recognized as a risk factor for anxiety and depression (Olié et al., 2022) and contributes to poor psychological well-being more broadly (Weiss et al., 2022). It is closely intertwined with experiences of loneliness and social isolation (An et al., 2013) and may contribute to post-psychotic mood disturbances (Todman, 2003).

The COVID-19 pandemic further underscored the psychological impact of boredom. Prolonged social isolation and service disruptions heightened feelings of stagnation and meaninglessness. Tam et al. (2023) suggest that individuals who perceived boredom negatively experienced greater psychological vulnerability during this period.

Yet, boredom is not inherently detrimental. Emerging research reveals its adaptive potential when approached reflectively. Carroll et al. (2010) suggest that boredom can stimulate challenge-seeking, creativity, and prosocial behavior. Bench et al. (2012) argue that it encourages the pursuit of new, more fulfilling goals. When reframed as a signal for reorientation—rather than simply avoided—boredom can support resilience and psychological growth.

In summary, boredom is a complex, underappreciated emotional state with clear mental health consequences. It is associated with psychological distress, impulsivity, and diminished well-being, yet it may also motivate meaningful change and adaptive engagement. As digital environments reshape how we experience attention and engagement, understanding boredom becomes increasingly relevant. Future research and clinical practice must consider how to both mitigate its risks and cultivate its transformative potential—by encouraging rest, embracing boredom as a reflective state, and integrating boredom-tolerance into resilience-building programs.

Dr. Ransirini de Silva  PhD is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology and a Clinical Psychologist. She is the Head /Psychology & Counselling Department of Psychology & Counselling, Faculty of Health Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka.

Dr. Ruwan M. Jayatunge M.D. PhD  is a Medical Doctor and a Clinical Psychologist, also a member of the (APA) American Psychological Association. He is a guest lecturer at Sri Lankan and North American universities. 

  

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