Preference for Painful Stimuli over No Stimuli

Research indicates that people in a stimulus-poor environment tend to prefer painful stimuli over none at all. This was demonstrated in a study where participants were left alone in a room with no stimulation and the option to experience an electric shock. The majority of participants showed curiosity towards the electric cables, leading to the conclusion that individuals in such environments seek out stimuli, even if it is painful. This behavior is also observed in daily life, where people often scroll through social media not for the content, but for the sake of experiencing new stimuli.