The Importance Of Boredom | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

The Importance Of Boredom

Exploring the ramifications of technological over-stimulation on creativity

108
The Importance Of Boredom
123rf.com

My seven-year-old cousin, Evan, came in the living room a few days ago sighing heavily. He plopped down on the couch as I asked him what was wrong. “I’m bored,” he replied as he instinctively began to pick through the multicolored pile of disks which consisted of his Nintendo DS games. “I’ve played all these games,” he continued. Dissatisfied, he wandered out of the room and shortly came back with an iPhone; which he was content to play with for the next hour until becoming bored again. The situation illustrated here is indicative of a frequent occurrence in today’s society. An occurrence that is not uncommon to both adolescents and adults across the spectrum of race, religion, and nationality; boredom. Everyone experiences it, no matter how old you are, who you are, or where you’re from. Boredom can be considered one of life’s great equalizers. While boredom itself has not changed, how people deal with it has.

Today when people are bored, as if on autopilot, we immediately turn to technology. We scroll through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or play video games or watch a program on TV. Since digital technology has become so ubiquitous in everyday life, many people have questioned its effects on a range of topics including interpersonal relationships, health, and human creativity.

Boredom is essential to human creativity because when people are bored, they get inventive. Experiencing boredom puts a person in a position where the only available course of action is to get inspired. The mind wanders as the brain contemplates various information and compiles ideas it would not otherwise produce. In these situations, a person’s potential is tested and their creativity is sparked.

Using technology offers a temporary cure for boredom, and overstimulates our brains in such a way that does not allow the mind to be as creative as it could be. As the years go by and more research is conducted, neuroscience is making clear just how important boredom is for the human brain. In an article on WYNC.org called "The Case for Boredom," Jonny Smallwood, a Professor of Neuroscience at the University of York in the UK, stated, "There’s a close link between originality, novelty, and creativity... and these sort of spontaneous thoughts that we generate when our minds are idle." Another instructor studying the impact of boredom on creativity is Dr. Sandi Mann, a psychology professor from the University of Central Lancashire. In the same article, Mann stated: "Boredom has always been seen as something to be eliminated, but perhaps we should be embracing it in order to enhance our creativity."

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Vivien Leigh
Revelist

I've lived a whole 21 years with an RBF (Resting Bitch Face), so naturally, I go through most of these struggles on a daily basis.

And before you ask, yes I'm fine. No, I'm not mad. This is just my face, so take it or leave it! To those of you who have been #blessed with an RBF, you'll probably relate to these more than you'd like to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Iconic Duos: Timeless Legends

From Luke and Leia to Beyonce's twins...

774450
Luke and Leia from Star Wars, a iconic duo
Lucasfilm

“Name a more iconic duo... I'll wait." OK, well, if you insist. In no particular order, here's a list of 100 iconic duos that seem to be timeless.

SEE MORE: This Is The ICONIC Disney Sidekick You Are To Your BFF, According To Your Zodiac Sign

Keep Reading...Show less
middle finger
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

What's up Asshat,

I've composed a list of things that I wish upon you, and they're harsh and cruel. These things are things that I wouldn't wish upon my worst of enemies, not even that Starbuck's barista who always screws up my order, not even him. You fall into a whole other category of hate. You surpass Starbucks barista. Congratulations, I'm actually a pretty nice person, making you worthy of every single bit of torture I wish upon you. What are these things I wish upon you you might ask?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

College Life: As Told By Bob's Burgers

If there's anyone who understand the struggles of college, it's the Belcher family

766
Bob's Burgers

College is a time of gaining independence, exploring new things, and copious amounts of Netflix. If you're like me, you often find yourself laughing at the sheer ridiculousness of the situations you find yourself in. Here are ten times Bob's Burgers accurately captured college life.

1. What you're pretty sure your upstairs neighbors do at 3am every morning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Why Theater Kids Are the Greatest People Ever

Supportive and spontaneous human beings are the best.

594
Theater Kids

Throughout school, the theater department has always been my go-to place with go-to people when I need advice, a dance party, or just someone to listen to me vent.

You never know what's going to happen when you're dealing with theatre or what kind of characters you'll encounter. We have too much fun doing anything! One time in my senior year acting class, we spent an entire class period watching Bob's Burgers, and it was the greatest class period ever.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments