#Boredom

A new study suggests that people who show ADHD traits experience boredom more readily because their brains struggle with regulating attention and keeping information in working memory. The findings, drawn from a series of cognitive tasks and self-report measures, indicate that the tendency toward boredom in ADHD-like individuals may be partly explained by core executive function weaknesses, especially sustained attention and interference control. The researchers say this work provides a clearer picture of the cognitive processes behind boredom and points to potential interventions that could help students stay engaged, a finding with clear relevance for Thailand’s education system where classroom focus can directly affect learning outcomes and family well-being.

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.

A new study links persistent boredom with a higher risk of excessive social media use. Thai users increasingly rely on platforms like Facebook, Line, Instagram, X, and TikTok to stay connected, informed, and entertained. Educators, health professionals, and policymakers can use these insights to promote healthier technology habits nationwide.

Researchers analyzed patterns among frequent social media users and found a clear association: the more often people report feeling bored, the more likely they are to engage in excessive online activity. For many, scrolling becomes a substitute for offline activities that lack stimulation or meaning. In Thailand, the issue may be especially relevant given the high daily time spent on social platforms compared with regional peers, according to local data.

A growing body of research challenges the notion that Thai children must always be busy with activities or screens. Experts say occasional boredom can boost creativity, emotional resilience, and self-reliance—critical traits for navigating today’s complex world.

Many Thai families have embraced “structured parenting,” with after-school programs and digital learning filling every moment. Yet researchers warn that over-scheduling can curb curiosity and problem-solving. Unplanned time, they say, can spark cognitive and emotional growth. Developmental psychologists describe boredom as fertile ground for imagination, patience, and initiative.

A growing body of research, highlighted in a recent feature by The Times of India, is challenging conventional wisdom about childhood boredom. Contrary to the belief that children’s schedules should be filled with constant activities and digital entertainment, experts now recommend that parents allow their children to experience periods of boredom. This approach, they argue, can nurture creativity, emotional resilience, and self-reliance—traits essential for thriving in today’s complex world (Times of India).

A growing body of research challenges the instinct to flee boredom. Constantly reaching for smartphones may undermine mental health and hinder self-discovery. In discussing the topic for Thai audiences, recent coverage navigates how boredom functions in our digital era and how Thai society might approach this often neglected emotion.

Thais, like people worldwide, live in a culture saturated with digital distractions. Whether waiting in line at a food stall, riding the BTS Skytrain, or enduring a classroom lull, many reach for their devices. Experts now suggest boredom, though uncomfortable, serves a purpose—somewhat like hunger or loneliness—pushing us toward more meaningful activities.

A growing body of research is challenging our instinctive avoidance of boredom, suggesting that our constant efforts to escape it—especially through smartphones—may be undermining both our mental health and the potential for meaningful self-discovery. Recent findings discussed in The Guardian highlight the complexity of boredom’s role in the digital age and spark fresh debate on how Thai society should approach this underestimated emotion.

Thais, like people everywhere, live in an era saturated with digital distractions. Whether waiting in line at a food stall, riding the BTS Skytrain, or enduring a lull during classroom lectures, the reflex for many is to reach for a smartphone. The implications run deeper than wasted time: a new consensus among psychologists is that boredom, although often uncomfortable, serves an important function similar to hunger or loneliness by prompting us toward more engaging or meaningful pursuits.

Creativity may thrive when we allow ourselves to feel bored. Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, championed this counterintuitive idea, and recent neuroscience supports it. A growing body of research suggests that brief periods of boredom can boost problem-solving and spark innovative thinking. This challenges the common belief that downtime is wasted time.

In today’s hyper-connected world, many people in Bangkok and other Thai cities rarely experience true quiet. Smartphones and constant notifications fill gaps that once encouraged reflection. The idea of welcoming boredom may feel foreign, but it’s precisely what many Thai professionals and students need to unlock deeper creativity.

A remarkable insight into the world of creativity comes from none other than Steve Jobs, the legendary co-founder of Apple Inc., who championed an unexpected yet profound approach: embracing boredom. According to a recent article from Inc.com source, supported by burgeoning neuroscience research, spending more time feeling bored can significantly contribute to creativity and productivity. This notion challenges the conventional view that idle time is wasted time. Instead, it suggests that a little boredom might enhance our ability to solve problems and generate innovative insights.