A study in boredom

Boredom and evolution

According to Darwin’s natural selection of traits, we know that it is the fittest of all characters who survive further. Nor does boredom feel good; many people are willing to shock themselves or even view upsetting images rather than be bored. Given such evidence, does boredom have any adaptive value? If not, then how has it evolved so far till this stage of humanity? It is found that the human brain is abundant in creativity, which increases their survival chances, when bored. Creativity is useful. Thus the survival of boredom in humanity is still booming. It is of great misfortune that during boredom we are biased towards checking NEW messages or emails, ironically causing a spike in the creative hormone, dopamine. Sadness and disgust are precursors to boredom. One fails to realise that if all of the living were content without having any feelings of regret, it would be threatening to human evolution.

 

Great Minds on Boredom and Creativity

Einstein had said, “Creativity is the residue of time wasted.” Supporting the statement, the trouble is that we live in an age in which we never get ourselves the chance to be bored.

Philosophers, unsurprisingly, provide a core explanation to boredom. According to Martin Heidegger, boredom is a privileged fundamental mood because it leads us directly into the very problem complex of being and time. Seneca and Theodor Adorno. Another great mind, Seneca in his analysis includes fickleness and restlessness on one hand; and lack of motivation and interest on the other. Theodor had interestingly explained boredom as the “reflection of objective dullness.”

 

The crisis of creativity

Children today are more intelligent than creative, mainly due to increased use in AI and software across domains. Even in the US, creativity scores are plummeting while IQ scores are rising.Paradoxically, these technologies can both alleviate and exacerbate boredom, depending on how they are used. It is observed that there are three particular behaviours that emerged when some kids were bored and playing unsupervised: wonder and curiosity, collaboration, and experimentation.These three behaviours are essential for creativity. They are best learned when students are allowed to develop their own interests and play with those ideas. We need more than just content-smart kids; we need independent thinkers who can develop ideas and create a better future.

 

How to enhance creativity through boredom?

Parents can unplug their kids from screens and encourage them to play outside unsupervised. Educators can move away from classrooms and worksheets and create more open-ended learning experiences. After-school activity, providers can design programs that allow kids to take more ownership and control. One can figure out the creative outcome.

In today’s digital age, where perpetual connectivity often leads to mental fatigue and diminished attention spans, the deliberate implementation of mindful breaks serves as a crucial antidote, fostering mental resilience and fostering a balanced lifestyle.

 

About the author

The article has been contributed by Pornika Das from Auxilium Convent School, Bandel.