Are We Losing Our Creativity in the Age of Infotainment?
Diagram courtesy of Tim Brown, Author of Change by Design
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Are We Losing Our Creativity in the Age of Infotainment? The Role of Boredom in Divergent Thinking
Remember the last time you were truly bored? Maybe it was during a long wait at the DMV or a flight delay at the airport. Perhaps you were sitting through a particularly dull lecture or stuck in traffic during rush hour. Whatever the situation, you probably didn't enjoy being bored. But what if I told you that boredom could actually be good for you, especially when it comes to fostering creativity?
Boredom has been linked to increased creativity, but in our age of infotainment, it's becoming increasingly difficult to experience true boredom. With our smartphones constantly buzzing with notifications, social media feeds constantly refreshing, and streaming services offering endless options for entertainment, we're rarely left with a moment of silence, let alone boredom.
But why?
But why does boredom matter for creativity? To understand the relationship between boredom and creativity, it's helpful to know a bit about how creativity works. Creativity is often described as the ability to generate new and original ideas or solutions. Divergent thinking, which involves coming up with many possible solutions to a problem, is a key aspect of creativity. This type of thinking requires an open mind and the ability to think beyond the obvious, and to see things from new and unusual perspectives.
Has a great idea ever come to you while in the shower?
One way to encourage divergent thinking is through boredom. When we're bored, our minds are free to wander and explore new ideas. Without the constant stimulation of our devices and other distractions, we're more likely to engage in daydreaming, introspection, and other activities that can foster creativity.
However, when we're constantly bombarded with information and entertainment, we don't have as much opportunity to engage in these types of activities. Instead, our brains are kept busy processing incoming information, leaving little room for reflection or creative thinking. As a result, we may be missing out on opportunities to come up with new and innovative ideas.
To be clear, I'm not suggesting that we should aim to be bored all the time. Extreme boredom can actually have negative effects on our mental health, and it's important to find a balance between stimulation and downtime. However, the constant stream of infotainment that many of us are exposed to can make it difficult to experience the kind of boredom that can be beneficial for creativity.
How to encourage boredom?
So what can we do to encourage boredom and creativity in our lives? One option is to set aside time for unplugging and disconnecting from our devices. Whether it's taking a walk outside, practicing mindfulness, or simply sitting quietly and letting our minds wander, finding moments of stillness can help us tap into our creativity.
Those who know me know I disconnect when on my bicycle.
Another approach is to intentionally seek out new and unfamiliar experiences. This could involve trying a new hobby, traveling to a new place, or even taking a different daily commute route. By exposing ourselves to new stimuli, we can spark our creativity and open ourselves up to new ideas.
Of course, these strategies may not work for everyone, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution to fostering creativity. However, by recognizing the importance of boredom and the ways in which our constant exposure to infotainment can stifle creativity, we can begin to take steps to make space for more reflective and creative thinking in our lives.
Boredom may not be something we typically seek out or enjoy, but it can be a powerful tool for promoting creativity. As we continue to be bombarded with information and entertainment, it's important to find ways to disconnect and create space for boredom and reflection in our lives. By doing so, we may be able to tap into our creative potential and come up with new and innovative solutions to the problems and challenges we face in our personal and professional lives.
It's time to recognize that true creativity requires more than just the latest gadget or app; it requires a willingness to disconnect and embrace the stillness that can lead to new and original ideas. So the next time you find yourself with a few spare moments, resist the urge to fill them with more infotainment. Instead, take a deep breath, let your mind wander, and see where your creativity can take you.
