Algorithms, especially those employed by platforms like TikTok, have become extraordinarily addictive, surpassing previous social media algorithms by effectively engaging and 'hacking' users' brains. This addiction spans all age groups, with individuals often unaware of how algorithms manipulate their attention. The advancement of these algorithms, still in their early developmental stages, indicates a fierce competition among platforms to captivate users and maximize time spent online. As a response to this competitive pressure, platforms like Twitter have shifted to more sensational content, further amplifying the cycle of addiction. In contrast, there is a concerning societal trend where constant excitement, often conflated with happiness, fuels anxiety and negative emotions, suggesting a need for boredom as a counterbalance. Our evolutionary biology is ill-prepared for perpetual stimulation, leading to a loss of the capability to endure boredom. This reliance on instant gratification through digital content prevents individuals from experiencing mere moments of stillness, showcasing a critical challenge for the future of human attention and mental health.

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