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Our collective obsession with boredom: Interview with a boredom lab researcher

10 pointsby akakievichlast Monday at 8:30 PM3 commentsview on HN

Comments

LemonWhotoday at 11:46 AM

I think the researcher (and probably a lot of the people engaging in this challenge) are missing one of the major benefits of these do nothing challenges. 4+ hours is excessive, but the main point is that modern life is just constant stimulation. From the moment I wake up to the moment I fall asleep it's just "input", news articles, social media content, TV shows. There is always something to consume.

Doing nothing for even just 15 minutes is a way to conciously stop consuming for a little bit.

I would also be interested to know about the researcher's relationship with their phone. If they aren't prone to doomscrolling it would probably be pretty hard to relate to the need/want to do nothing.

metalmantoday at 12:20 PM

THIS! YES! WOW!, this is so excellent! do this with a clean heart and mind, and no further proof of self is needed. I am humbled by the wisdom and resiliance of our species.

elbcilast Monday at 9:29 PM

"boredom lab researcher"? Well...

I remember as it was yesterday, many years ago I saw on National Geographic a NGO lady flown thousands of miles to Africa to sit on a boulder and explain (I imagine - the Tv was on mute) the intricacies of her trade. Lower left on the screen there was her name and her job title: "Human Lion Conflict Specialist"