Boredom and smartphone use: A study linking boredom types with neurophysiological markers, media selection and resulting emotion regulation
Abstract
This project deals with boredom as a very prevalent, yet understudied, emotion. The focus is on how using the smartphone and the selection of media content is used to regulate (or escape from) a situation in which boredom is experienced. Media use is one option to regulate emotions, yet a convenient one that does require less effort than other activities. Media literature documents the link between boredom and selective exposure to arousing contents to uplift stimulation levels. However, psychological research has shown that boredom can also stem from high arousal situations and includes 'meaning making' as an additional component. In three empirical studies, varying from lab to natural settings, this project investigates if and how boredom stemming from different contexts results in differences in the selection of interesting versus (mere) enjoyable media content through the smartphone use. Neurophysiological markers will capture the two underlying features of boredom (stimulation and meaning making) and the process of emotion regulation. Given the omnipresence of boredom and its influence on behavior, this research is utterly important. It is equally timely given the continuing worry about the role of smartphones due to their pervasive nature and 24/7availability. This project aims to provide pioneering and powerful tools in predicting everyday behavior during boredom, as well as opening insights on how to act in your best interest when using media to combat boredom.
FWO Senior project
- Promotor: Karolien Poels
- Co-promotor: Heidi Vandebosch
Runtime: 1/01/2023 - 31/12/2026