Swiping through online videos to combat boredom might actually exacerbate it, according to new research published by the American Psychological Association.
The study, which included seven experiments with over 1,200 participants from the United States and the University of Toronto, reveals that constantly switching between short video snippets can lead to increased boredom and reduced satisfaction with the content.
In two baseline experiments, participants initially believed that rapidly switching between videos would alleviate their boredom compared to watching videos in full. However, the study, published online in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, found the opposite to be true.
Katy Tam, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Toronto and lead author of the study, explained that digital switching—viewing brief clips or fast-forwarding through content—actually heightened feelings of boredom.
Tam suggested that to enhance enjoyment, viewers should focus on the content and avoid excessive digital switching. “Just as a more immersive movie theater experience can be more enjoyable, immersing oneself in online videos rather than swiping through them can lead to greater satisfaction,” she said.
In one experiment, participants watched either a continuous 10-minute YouTube video or a series of seven five-minute videos within the same timeframe. Those who watched the single, uninterrupted video reported feeling less bored and found the experience more satisfying and engaging compared to those who switched between multiple clips.
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Similar results emerged in another experiment where participants watched a 10-minute video in one segment but had the option to fast forward or rewind through a 50-minute video in another. Participants preferred the uninterrupted viewing, finding it more meaningful and engaging.
Tam noted that digital switching might make content seem less meaningful because viewers do not have the opportunity to engage deeply with the material. “When people constantly switch videos, they don’t fully engage with or understand the content, which can lead to a perception of meaninglessness,” she said.
The study highlights a growing concern as people increasingly turn to platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook during idle moments. Prior research has shown that smartphone use can increase boredom and detract from enjoyment in social settings.
The study adds to the understanding that digital switching might also be a significant source of boredom, potentially impacting mental health. Chronic boredom has been linked to depressive symptoms, anxiety, and other negative outcomes. However, the study did not explore whether shorter attention spans contributed to these effects, and the sample of Canadian college students may not fully represent broader demographic trends.
