A recent study suggests that scrolling through short videos on social media might actually increase boredom rather than alleviate it. Dr. Katy Tam, a psychology researcher from the University of Toronto, explains that while people often fast-forward or skip videos to escape boredom, this habit may have the opposite effect, making the viewing experience less enjoyable and more monotonous.
The maximum length for Instagram Reels is 90 seconds, and YouTube Shorts can be up to 60 seconds long. Despite these short durations, even videos lasting just one second are popular. However, Dr. Tam's research indicates that the tendency to skip or speed up videos can lead to increased boredom rather than a more engaging experience.
"Our research shows that although people try to avoid boredom by fast-forwarding or skipping videos, this behavior actually makes them feel more bored. It also diminishes the satisfaction and engagement of watching the videos," Dr. Tam explained.
Tam highlights that, despite having numerous entertainment options, a study spanning from 2008 to 2020 shows that young people are experiencing heightened levels of boredom. This trend is concerning because boredom can negatively impact mental health, academic performance, and behavior, potentially leading to depression and other issues.
To understand the impact of fast-forwarding and switching between videos, researchers conducted two experiments with about 1,200 participants. In the first experiment, participants watched a 10-minute video without the option to skip or fast-forward, followed by a choice among seven shorter videos. In the second experiment, participants watched a 10-minute video and then navigated a 50-minute video, choosing to fast-forward or rewind as they wished.
The study, published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, found that participants initially thought they would enjoy having the ability to switch or fast-forward videos. However, the findings suggest that this behavior might actually contribute to a greater sense of boredom.
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