Why do we get bored?

“I’m bored!” We can all relate to the uncomfortable - and at times unbearable - feeling of boredom. But what is it? Why does it happen? And could this frustrating, thumb-twiddling experience actually serve some evolutionary purpose? CrowdScience listener Brian started wondering this over a particularly uninspiring bowl of washing up and it’s ended with presenter Marnie Chesterton going on a blessedly un-boring tour through the science and psychology of tedium. She finds out why some people are more affected than others, why boredom is the key to discovery and innovation and how we can all start improving our lives by embracing those mind-numbing moments. (Photo: Bored kids on a park bench. Credit: Getty Images)Presenter: Marnie Chesterton
Producer: Samara Linton
Production co-ordinator: Jonathan Harris
Editor: Richard Collings Contributors:
Professor James Danckert, University of Waterloo, Canada
Dr Elizabeth Weybright, Washington State University
Dr Christian Chan, Hong Kong University
Annie Runkel, University of Dundee