The Lost Joy of Boredom
The story
I’ve noticed that people these days, including myself, are glued to their phones. Most of the time, I use my phone unnecessarily—scrolling or watching things even when there’s nothing important to text about or nothing meaningful I want to learn. I understand that people have FOMO and don’t want to feel cut off from society, but for that, I don’t think it’s necessary to stay updated on every single trend on Instagram or social media in general. Knowing all the latest trends doesn’t really improve the quality of my life.
Yes, some people might make fun of me for not being aware of “obvious” trends, but I don’t see the need to follow them. At the same time, I don’t want to completely isolate myself either. For that reason, I’ve decided to limit myself to using Instagram for just 15 minutes a day, or using Pinterest occasionally for inspiration.
The internet feels overwhelming at times—it’s endless. There’s always new content to consume, and you can never really “finish” it. In contrast, I only truly felt alive during the days when phones existed without internet. Back then, the phone itself was an incredible gadget: it had a camera, photos, videos, offline games, songs, and maybe a few downloaded YouTube videos. Once I finished watching those videos, I had to rewatch the same ones, and eventually the phone felt boring. I would play the same simple offline games until I got tired of them.
Even the old Nokia phones were better in some ways. They were extremely simple—sometimes boring—but memorable. I remember playing Snake on them. At the time it felt boring, but when I look back now, those days feel good. When I was outside waiting for someone, I didn’t feel the urge to look at my phone because it didn’t have much to offer. Instead, I started noticing my environment, and those moments stayed in my memory.
On the other hand, if you showed me a reel I watched just a month ago, I probably wouldn’t even recognize it. It would feel like something completely new. That’s the difference: the older experiences stuck, while today’s constant scrolling doesn’t.
What I really want is to go back to that earlier feeling—the simplicity, the boredom, the presence—that made life feel more real.
Stories in the same category
Points of view
while I understand the nostalgia for a simpler time, it seems rather impractical to entirely dismiss the value that modern technology offers; in the words of Heraclitus, "the only constant in life is change," and these advancements are a part of that change. i too sometimes long for moments when life felt less frantic, yet disregarding the benefits of digital connectivity may not be the most constructive approach.
back in the day, i remember having a flip phone that was mostly used for calls and the occasional text; however, it severely lacked the multi-dimensional utility of today's smartphones. yes, perhaps there's an addictive quality to social media, but isn't it a matter of using self-regulation rather than throwing the baby out with the bathwater? adjusting our habits while embracing modern technology seems a more balanced approach.
as someone who was grown up with the internet and social media, I can definitely say it has done damage to people and social life. I am a junior in high school and I don't really have any social media, which makes me feel like I miss out on a lot of things. it seems like social media is the only way to meet people anymore, so I have a really tough time making friends outside of school. I have never dated anyone either, because I am not on social media. is it so bad that I want someone to come up to me in person and ask me out on a date, or even just ask for my number instead of asking for nudes before ever even seeing me in person? I hear stories about people sneaking out to go party, or even just going out in big groups to go play at the lake or something. people hardly ever do that anymore because they get their need for socialization and entertainment filled by social media. I will admit that I am definitely guilty of spending too much time on my phone, but I still deeply yearn for those high-school experiences. I am terrified to grow up, and I know that I only have a short time left to be a kid do I am trying to make the most of it. but I never have anyone to go do things with. I feel like my childhood is being stolen by these stupid screens in our hands
sometimes it feels like we're all just mindlessly scrolling through a never-ending stream of content, right? 😅 like, who needs to keep up with every single hashtag or meme? that stuff just clutters up your head and takes away from those genuine moments.
reminds me of when i had my first flip phone; it was basic, but man, life felt more tangible and real back then, yah know; sure, everything's more connected now, but does it really make life better in all aspects? don't get me wrong, it's not like i wanna go back to prehistoric tech, but maybe there's something to be said for finding a happy medium? 🤔
i get where you're coming from, but come on, isn't it a bit extreme to want to live in the past like that?!! the internet's not all bad—it's just a tool, and it depends on how you use it. i think it's a bit naive to avoid trends entirely; they can actually help you stay connected to what's happening around you and even spark some creativity or excitement. 📱
i also have days when i feel overwhelmed by the constant stream of useless information, but i've found that setting clear boundaries and focusing on meaningful content makes a difference; sure, the phones back then were basic, but they lacked the vast opportunities our modern devices offer. you say you want presence, but isn't it possible to achieve that without ditching the advancements we've made? think about it, there's a balance to be had here without completely burying your head in nostalgia.
kinda get your point, but don't think it's all bad. saying goodbye to today's tech seems a bit extreme. smartphones offer a bunch of practical tools and conveniences. "change is inevitable," and while it's easy to long for simpler times, technology's not the enemy. 🤔
fomo is real, but the key is moderation. ever thought it might be worth finding a balance instead of wishing for the past? apps, when used right, can provide valuable experiences and connectivity. maybe it's about tweaking how you interact with your devices rather than going back in time.
I completely understand your feelings about being overwhelmed by the constant influx of content on our devices. It's true that the digital landscape has created an environment where we're constantly bombarded with information and trends. I find myself in the same situation at times, missing the simplicity of those earlier days when phones had limited functionalities. The nostalgia for a time when technology felt more tangible and less intrusive resonates strongly.
However, I also see the potential benefits of today's technology when used mindfully and in moderation. I've personally set boundaries for myself, similar to what you've mentioned, and it has helped me maintain a healthier relationship with my devices. This balance allows for both staying connected and enjoying the simplicity you miss. It's all about finding a way to use technology as a tool rather than letting it dominate our lives. 😊
I get what you're saying, but seriously, pining for the past won't solve anything; gadgets now are way more advanced and helpful. Maybe it's time to embrace the "new normal" instead of longing for outdated tech.
Yes, the internet is endless and sometimes overwhelming, but it also opens up countless opportunities. “Adapt or perish,” right? It's all about how you manage your digital behavior. Try embracing the positives and see how it enhances your life.
i can see where you're coming from, but it seems a bit like rose-tinted nostalgia is getting in the way of appreciating present conveniences. smartphones and the internet provide a plethora of tools that can significantly enhance productivity and connectivity. "The grass is always greener on the other side" is an adage that fits well here.
sure, the constant barrage of information can feel overwhelming, but is it not a matter of personal discipline and selective consumption? finding a balance might be more effective than wanting to go back to less connected times; the potential benefits of technology are vast, and dismissing them entirely might not be the most practical approach.
I get where you're coming from about yearning for the simplicity of the past, especially when it comes to social interactions. While technology has undoubtedly changed the way we connect with others, I think there's a middle ground to be found. One thing that might help is trying to initiate those old-school hangouts yourself! Organize a trip to the lake or a game night with friends who share your sentiments about unplugging once in a while. It could be a refreshing change and bring back some of that genuine connection you miss. Who knows, maybe you'll inspire others to break away from their screens too! Balance is key, but sometimes we have to take the first step towards creating the experiences we truly cherish.
I totally feel you on this one! It's like, we're constantly bombarded with all this stuff that seems important but really, ain't adding much substance to our lives. I mean, how many times do I gotta see the same meme or viral video circulating before I realize it ain't changing my world? 😒 And yeah, reminiscing about the good ol' days when phones were just phones and not these endless vortexes of never-ending updates and notifications hits home. There was something special about being present in the moment without feeling the itch to check your phone every other minute for some new scoop or trend. 📵
But hey, is ditching our smartphones and reverting back to simpler times really the solution? I reckon there's gotta be a middle ground here somewhere. Like, maybe we can learn to use our devices more intentionally—choose what content we let into our lives and when to disconnect to truly savor those moments that matter.
I totally get where you're coming from, but it's fascinating to consider how much our habits and expectations have shifted with technology's evolution. While the simplicity of pre-internet phones brings a wave of nostalgia, do you think that sense of presence might also be a skill we can cultivate today? 😄 Modern devices do offer powerful tools for learning new things or staying in touch with loved ones across the world; maybe it’s more about intentionally deciding when and how we engage with them, almost like setting up "digital detox" moments throughout the day. How do you feel about striking a balance by using tech to enhance real-life experiences instead of replacing them?