Curious Cases 12. Bored to Death
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Dec 28, 2024 Dr. Wijnand van Tilburg, a social psychologist specializing in boredom, discusses how seemingly dull hobbies can offer surprising mental health benefits. He humorously links chronic boredom to serious health issues, especially for middle-aged individuals. Meanwhile, Dr. Mike Esterman from Boston University dives into the science of attention, revealing why mind-wandering is often counterproductive when more engaging tasks are available. They challenge the hosts to a computer game designed to distract them with adorable images, showcasing the playful side of focus and attention.
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Boredom and Mortality
- A study on civil servants linked extensive boredom to a higher risk of cardiovascular death.
- More research is needed to confirm this correlation.
Bored to Death?
- Edward, a 13-year-old, asks if boredom can be fatal.
- He wonders if his extreme boredom during certain activities could literally kill him.
Defining Boredom
- Boredom is defined as wanting but being unable to engage in satisfying activity.
- Teenagers and young adults are particularly prone to experiencing boredom.