The end of boredom – How the smartphone steals our last free minutes and what that means for our (mental) health
About 15 years ago, a professor at the University of Paderborn illustrated an exciting analogy of everyday life with a simple experiment: He filled a large glass with table tennis balls and asked if the glass was full. He then added fine sand, which settled in the gaps between the balls, and asked again. Finally, he poured a can of beer into the glass until it was completely full. This image is symbolic of our daily activities and obligations.
The table tennis balls represent the most important tasks that structure our lives: sleep, work, eating, housework and hobbies. The sand symbolizes the smaller activities that connect or complement these main tasks, such as getting dressed, taking the bus or making small talk. Finally, the beer represents the smartphone and social media use that fills the last free gaps in our day.
Mobile phone use by age group in Germany
Did you know that in Germany, mobile phone usage varies greatly by age group? According to a 2023 survey, over 90% of 18- to 29-year-olds use their smartphones daily, primarily for social media, news, and entertainment. Among 50- to 64-year-olds, daily usage is around 70%, while in the over-65s group, around 50% use their smartphones regularly. Interestingly, in the older age groups, the use of communication apps such as WhatsApp and video calls takes up more space, while younger users spend more time on social networks and entertainment platforms.
The invisible consequences
The Internet in our pockets and the constant accessibility that comes with it is something completely new for our 2,000-year-old brain. It has never been confronted with such a flood of information before - and this will most likely not be without consequences.
Multitasking and its effects on the brain
Constantly switching between different tasks - also known as multitasking - can overwhelm our brains. Scientific studies show that this type of distraction can reduce the gray matter in the prefrontal cortex, the area responsible for decision-making and impulse control. This means that our ability to concentrate and our memory suffer. A brain that is constantly distracted is less able to process information and store it in the long term.
Digital distraction and lack of relaxation
Our need to fill every free minute with our smartphones means that we have less time for ourselves and our thoughts. This constant digital distraction prevents us from immersing ourselves in relaxed and creative thought processes. Yet it is precisely these times of inner peace that are important for solving complex problems and developing innovative ideas. According to neuropsychologist Dr. Sandi Mann, boredom is a natural state that organizes our thoughts and creates space for creative thinking.
loneliness due to smartphone use
Another problem with intensive smartphone use is increasing social isolation. Constant accessibility and the temptation to immerse yourself in the digital world mean that many people spend less time in social activities. In Germany, this is reflected in the so-called "pub death": since 2001, the number of pubs has decreased by more than 50%. The reduced willingness to leave the house and meet in person correlates strongly with the increasing use of social media and other digital platforms. Direct social contact is increasingly being replaced by virtual interactions, which can lead to a feeling of loneliness.
The Value of Boredom: What Happens in the Mind and Body?
Boredom is more than just an unpleasant sensation - it has an important function for our brain and body. In moments of boredom, the brain switches to a mode known as the "default mode network." This network is responsible for self-reflection and memory recall. It helps us process experiences, plan future events, and develop creative solutions to problems. In addition, these periods of inactivity promote the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that stabilizes our mood and relaxes us.
Study from Gothenburg: The positive effects of a digital detox
An interesting study from the University of Gothenburg in 2018 proves the positive effects of a digital detox. The study, which involved 68 subjects who abstained from digital media for a week, showed remarkable results: The participants reported improved sleep, reduced stress and a generally increased life satisfaction. These findings underline the importance of taking regular, conscious breaks from the digital world.
Conclusion: What you can take away for yourself
The ubiquity of smartphones and digital media has a profound impact on our daily lives and mental health. To counteract these negative effects, it is important to consciously take digital breaks and appreciate boredom as a valuable state. Such breaks promote creativity, reduce stress and improve general well-being. Use these insights to make your digital life more conscious and create more space for real social interactions and personal reflection.
