What's Happening?
A trend known as 'Rawdogging Boredom' has emerged among Gen Z, where individuals intentionally engage in periods of boredom by putting down their phones and avoiding distractions. This movement is seen
as a response to the rapidly declining attention spans documented by experts like Gloria Mark, a psychologist at the University of California, Irvine. The average attention span has decreased from two-and-a-half minutes in 2004 to just 40 seconds recently. Experts suggest that embracing boredom could help improve attention spans, with benefits such as fostering creativity and deep thinking. However, there are concerns about the trend's long-term effectiveness, as social media often promotes extremes or short-lived trends.
Why It's Important?
The decline in attention spans has significant implications for productivity and mental health. As attention becomes a valuable resource, the ability to focus on meaningful projects and relationships is crucial. The 'Rawdogging Boredom' trend highlights a cultural shift towards valuing downtime and mental space, which could counteract the overstimulation caused by constant screen exposure. If successful, this trend could lead to improved cognitive function and creativity, benefiting both individuals and society. However, the trend's reliance on social media could limit its effectiveness, as it may not promote sustained behavioral change.
