In theory, the shutdowns, restrictions, and need for social distancing resulting from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic have offered many Americans an opportunity to pursue new or neglected aspirations, such as reading all those books that have been piling up, getting in shape, or just spending more quality time at home with family. Certainly, some people have used the shock to the normal rhythm of daily life to reevaluate priorities or spend more time focused on activities that are good for mental and physical health.

But the pandemic might have also triggered—or at least exacerbated—an existential crisis of boredom that could be contributing to ideological extremism and related antisocial behavior. Since March, Gallup has been regularly asking Americans which emotions they experienced on the day before they were surveyed. The number of bored Americans was at a high at the end of March and mid-April, with 47% indicating feeling bored a lot of the previous day. Even in mid- to late-August, when people had more opportunities to be outside, over one-third of Americans (36%) said they experienced boredom a lot during the previous day. Heading into fall and winter, this number could again increase if COVID-19 cases continue to rise and people are stuck at home, socially disconnected, or out of work.

In two other studies, they observed that the more people generally find themselves being bored, the more extreme their political orientation.

Of course, many Americans are also experiencing great amounts of stress and anxiety as a result of the pandemic, and there are related economic and social challenges. Compared to these other negative emotional states, boredom might seem like a trivial complaint. However, boredom can cause real problems if not directed towards healthy and constructive behaviors.

Continue reading at Merion West.

 

Clay Routledge, PhD, is the Vice President of Research and Director of the Human Flourishing Lab at the Archbridge Institute. As a leading expert in existential psychology, his work focuses on helping people reach their full potential and build meaningful lives. Follow his work @clayroutledge and subscribe to his newsletter, Flourishing Fridays.

Share: