Do you find yourself jumping from TikTok to Instagram, to LinkedIn, back to TikTok, and maybe even sneak in a glance at a few emails. You justify it to yourself because it’s curing your boredom and multitasking your entertainment. But a recent study has revealed something surprising: all this app hopping—known as "digital switching"—could actually be leaving you feeling more bored than before you started. And not the-good-boredom, either.
What is Digital Switching?
Digital switching is the habit of frequently switching between apps or fast-forwarding through videos to consume content faster. Whether it's flipping between social media platforms, skipping through parts of videos, or bouncing between multiple shopping websites, it's something many of us do without a second thought.
It seems like the perfect antidote to boredom, right? More content, faster. But research is showing the opposite—digital switching can actually increase boredom rather than relieve it.
The Study: Does Switching Between Apps Make You More Bored?
A study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology found that people who switched between different apps or fast-forwarded through videos reported feeling more bored than those who watched just one video from start to finish.
The research, which involved over 1,200 participants across seven experiments, found that when people had the option to jump between multiple short videos or skip ahead, they experienced higher levels of boredom compared to those who stuck with one video uninterrupted.
The Gap Between Expectation and Reality
Katy Tam, a researcher from the University of Toronto, explains that boredom occurs in the gap between what we expect from the content we’re consuming and what we actually get out of it. When you're constantly switching between apps, you're likely seeking more engaging or rewarding content, but the quick jumps make it harder to stay invested in anything. Similarly to when you watch a movie, the enjoyment comes from immersing yourself in it, rather than constantly switching between different clips.
And it’s not just about the videos themselves—digital switching can give you a sense that you’re missing out on something better elsewhere. It’s like constantly browsing a menu but never committing to ordering, leaving you unsatisfied.
“Our research shows that while people fast-forward or skip videos to avoid boredom, this behaviour can actually make them feel more bored.”
Katy Tam, Researcher
Why Does Digital Switching Leave Us Feeling Empty?
Digital switching between apps gives the illusion of more control and choice, but instead of feeling satisfied, you might feel overstimulated and disengaged. The more you flip between apps, the more fragmented your attention becomes, making it harder for your brain to fully engage with anything.
This lack of focus creates a mental disconnect, which leads to—you guessed it—boredom. Instead of being immersed in content, you end up skimming the surface of everything and connecting with nothing.
But Isn’t Boredom a Good Thing?
As we’ve explained in a previous blog, “boredom is the birthplace of creativity”, so surely being more bored is a good thing? Well, some types of boredom can be a catalyst for new ideas and innovation. When you're doing idle tasks, like waiting for a bus or taking a shower, your mind starts to wander. It’s during these moments that your brain has the space to make new connections, sparking creativity and problem-solving.
However, the boredom created by digital switching is a different beast. It’s not the productive, mind-clearing kind of boredom that leads to innovation—it's a sense of disconnection and frustration. When you're constantly flipping between apps, your brain never gets the chance to fully rest or engage with anything. Instead, it’s stuck in a state of hyper-stimulation, where you're searching for satisfaction but never quite finding it.
This type of boredom doesn’t fuel creativity; it stifles it. You’re not allowing your brain the space to wander freely or reflect—you're just trying to fill the void with more content. The constant switching actually prevents deep thinking, leaving you feeling more mentally drained than inspired.
So yes, boredom can be a good thing—but only the right kind. If you want to spark your creativity, give your brain some space. Put down the phone, resist the urge to switch apps, and let your mind drift the old-fashioned way.
What Can You Do About It?
So, how do you beat the boredom spiral? The answer is simpler than you might think—slow down! Here are a few tips to break the habit of digital switching:
- Watch one thing at a time: Resist the urge to flip between apps or skip through videos. Stick with one piece of content until it’s finished and avoid second-screening.
- Limit your screen time: Try setting screen time limits for certain apps. If you know you’ve only got 20 minutes, you’ll be more selective and engaged with how you spend that time.
- Be mindful of why you’re switching: Are you actually bored with the content, or are you looking for a quick hit of dopamine from something new? Recognising this can help you avoid mindless app hopping.
- Take a break: Sometimes boredom isn’t a sign that the content isn’t good—it’s a sign that your brain needs a break. Step away from the screen for a few minutes and do something offline.
Conclusion: Embrace Less for More Satisfaction
Digital switching can feel like a shortcut to escape boredom, but as this study shows, it often has the opposite effect. By sticking with one piece of content, limiting screen time, and being mindful of your habits, you can enjoy your digital experiences more deeply and avoid the boredom trap.
So next time you’re tempted to jump between apps, pause for a moment. You might just find that less is more when it comes to digital consumption.
