A recent psychological study has revealed that individuals who experience high levels of boredom are more susceptible to developing social media addiction, raising fresh concerns about the digital habits of Thais amid the nation’s ever-growing use of online platforms. As social media continues to permeate daily life in Thailand—where platforms like Facebook, Line, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok are nearly ubiquitous—the findings provide critical insight for educators, health professionals, and policy makers seeking to promote healthy technology engagement.
Boredom, long regarded as a simple emotional state, is now being recognized as a key risk factor for problematic internet behaviors psypost.org. The new research, conducted by a team of behavioral scientists, surveyed patterns among frequent social media users and established a clear pattern: the more often people report feeling bored, the higher their risk of excessive and potentially addictive engagement with social media platforms. The researchers argue that for many, scrolling endlessly through feeds acts as a compensatory behavior when individuals struggle to find engagement or stimulation in their offline environment.
This new link between boredom and social media addiction is particularly relevant to the Thai context. According to Thailand’s National Statistical Office, the average Thai spends around 2.5 to 3 hours daily on social media, one of the highest averages in Southeast Asia. Surveys by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society highlight how Thai youth, in particular, turn to platforms such as Facebook and TikTok for entertainment, news, and social connection—often as a way to fill idle time. The COVID-19 pandemic, which intensified feelings of isolation and boredom, contributed to a surge in screen time and concerns about online overdependence, as noted in the Digital 2023 report from DataReportal.
The study’s authors emphasize that chronic boredom not only raises the likelihood of frequent social media use but also diminishes users’ capacity for mindful self-regulation. Over time, this pattern can morph into compulsive behaviors—such as doomscrolling, frequent checking, or an inability to disconnect—which are hallmarks of behavioral addiction. “Our results indicate that boredom can be a catalyst for problematic social media engagement, particularly in individuals lacking alternative sources of meaningful activity,” stated the study’s lead researcher, quoted in PsyPost’s coverage. This insight is echoed by Thai mental health professionals, who report an uptick in youth and working-age adults seeking help for anxiety and attention problems exacerbated by digital overuse.
Unlike substance addiction, social media addiction is not yet officially recognized as a clinical disorder. However, mounting evidence—including the latest research—shows that the symptoms can be equally disruptive: loss of control over usage, preoccupation with online status, neglect of offline responsibilities, and withdrawal-like irritability when unable to access the internet. Experts from Thailand’s Department of Mental Health have warned that these patterns could contribute to deteriorating mental health, reduced sleep quality, and declining academic or workplace performance.
The boredom-social media link is not unique to Thailand, but local cultural and educational patterns make it especially salient. Thai researchers have noted that limited extracurricular opportunities in rural or underserviced areas, combined with the ready availability of smartphones and cheap data plans, create conditions ripe for boredom-fueled digital dependency. In interviews with the Bangkok Post, educators noted that schools often struggle to engage students outside of conventional classroom activities, especially during lengthy school breaks.
Historically, the Thai concept of “sanuk”—the pursuit of fun and enjoyment—plays a defining role in social life and leisure. However, as social trends shift and urban lifestyles fragment traditional communities, opportunities for sanuk in the real world can shrink, pushing more Thais online in search of quick entertainment or digital connection. The blurring boundaries between work, study, and play during the COVID-19 era further accelerated this migration to digital spaces, with screen time rising sharply among both adults and children.
Looking ahead, experts warn that unless the social roots of boredom are addressed, interventions aimed only at limiting screen time may fail to stem the tide of social media overuse. Instead, they advocate for multifaceted solutions: fostering creative outlets in schools, promoting community-based recreation, and raising digital literacy so users can recognize and manage their own usage patterns. As digital device ownership climbs, and with 5G networks rolling out across the kingdom, Thailand faces a critical juncture in balancing the benefits and risks of unlimited digital access.
For Thai readers, this research underlines the importance of cultivating offline sources of engagement, whether through pursuing hobbies, joining community activities, or simply spending more time in nature. Families are encouraged to set “digital curfews,” educators to prioritize experiential learning, and health professionals to screen regularly for problematic use. While social media offers undeniable benefits in connectivity and information, it should not become a default escape from boredom.
The challenge’s urgency is summed up by a leading Thai digital addiction counselor, who advises, “It’s not about abandoning technology, but about becoming aware: Are we reaching for our phones out of genuine interest, or just to fill the silence?” Readers are urged to reflect on their personal habits, explore more fulfilling offline pursuits, and seek support if they struggle to maintain a healthy relationship with digital media. For those navigating Thailand’s rapidly shifting digital landscape, the antidote to social media addiction may start with simply finding more meaning and excitement in the everyday.
For further guidance or support, Thai readers can contact the Depression Hotline (1323), consult with the Department of Mental Health, or speak to local school counselors and health professionals about technology use concerns.
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