Why do we get bored?

CrowdScience

BBC

Science, Technology

4.8 • 985 Ratings

🗓️ 21 July 2023

⏱️ 28 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

“I’m bored!” We can all relate to the uncomfortable - and at times unbearable - feeling of boredom. But what is it? Why does it happen? And could this frustrating, thumb-twiddling experience actually serve some evolutionary purpose?

CrowdScience listener Brian started wondering this over a particularly uninspiring bowl of washing up and it’s ended with presenter Marnie Chesterton going on a blessedly un-boring tour through the science and psychology of tedium.

She finds out why some people are more affected than others, why boredom is the key to discovery and innovation and how we can all start improving our lives by embracing those mind-numbing moments.

(Photo: Bored kids on a park bench. Credit: Getty Images)

Presenter: Marnie Chesterton Producer: Samara Linton Production co-ordinator: Jonathan Harris Editor: Richard Collings

Contributors: Professor James Danckert, University of Waterloo, Canada Dr Elizabeth Weybright, Washington State University Dr Christian Chan, Hong Kong University Annie Runkel, University of Dundee

Transcript

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0:00.0	Take some time for yourself with soothing classical music from the mindful mix, the Science of
0:07.0	Happiness Podcast.
0:08.0	For the last 20 years I've dedicated my career to exploring the science of living a happier more meaningful life and I want
0:14.4	to share that science with you.
0:16.1	And just one thing, deep calm with Michael Mosley.
0:19.4	I want to help you tap in to your hidden relaxation response system and open the door to that
0:25.4	calmer place within. Listen on BBC Sounds.
0:30.7	All Services, PC7 Contract Signature Sheet, please use the signature sheet for
0:38.2	contracts incorporating PC7.
0:40.8	This is Crowd Science from the BBC World Service.
0:43.0	I'm Marnie Chesterton's specific conditions.
0:46.0	Please do not amend the PC7 itself,
0:48.0	as this may lead to an incorrect version being used going for.
0:51.0	That's me reading the most boring bits of the BBC's
0:54.3	procurement terms and conditions. It's just subclauses all as boring as the last.
0:59.7	Why? Because this is the show that answers your science questions.
1:04.0	And we've had an email about that unpleasant feeling that should be kicking in right about now.
1:11.0	P.C. 7. now. Oh God. It's not pain, but it does kick off this desperate urge to do something anything else and listen to Brian in Kampala Uganda suffers too
1:31.5	If you have an enemy send them to Kampala at around 530 PM and tell the sitting
1:37.1	traffic.
1:40.1	Like many city dwellers, Brian often ends up stuck in rush hour traffic, and it's given him time to think about how little he enjoys being trapped in a tedious tailback.
1:49.0	Why do we as human beings get bored? Like, do animals get bored. Do animals get bored? Does getting bored serve any purpose to
	...

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