I Think We're Forgetting How to Be Bored

In a reflective piece on Dev.to, James Anderson explores the modern phenomenon of constant digital stimulation and the loss of genuine boredom. The author argues that by filling every idle moment—whether waiting for a kettle or an elevator—with smartphone usage, we have inadvertently eliminated the mental space necessary for creativity and deep reflection. Anderson suggests that boredom was not merely 'empty time,' but a vital state where the mind could wander, connect disparate ideas, and process complex thoughts. While acknowledging that digital tools offer undeniable convenience, the author warns that we are losing our tolerance for discomfort and the ability to be alone with our own minds. The article concludes by encouraging readers to reclaim small pockets of idleness, suggesting that the 'friction' of being unoccupied is essential for human insight and patience.