Who Killed Boredom

Boredom. A word that a smart phone user solemnly udders. Even when the thought of it pop into existence, you already feel your hand reaching into your pocket or handbag, to get that sweet candy bar we call a smart phone. We are connected. Facebook, instagram, imgur, reddit, groupon, draw something, words with friends, gems with friends, all the A-symmetrical gaming behind that lock screen, just a swipe away.

While waiting in line pry your eyes away from your phone and take a look at the people in line with you. What are they doing, are they making small talk with the people around them, are they acting out a scene for an audition, odds are they are on there cell phones probably on the same game or site you where on. According to CNN 45% of adults own smart phones. That number is truly staggering, to think that 45% of adults today have access to some form of a app store, always connect to their friends.

Magazine companies must be kicking them selves because no one is reading in doctor's waiting rooms. Instead, people are playing the next starwars angry birds, or checking TMZ for the latest celeb gossip. Who needs to read a weekly magazine when you can use an app and see the latest “J Beiver pukes on stage video.” The boredom is gone from those little moments between tasks.

Twitter app is like cigarettes. Everyday people blog more on twitter, and bloggers blog even more. After browsing my twitter I will see people blogging in line buying coffee, describing the awkwardly delivered pick line from the people in front of them. Twitter has always connected people together, it has brought small talk to where ever you go. Is this a good thing? It remains to be seen, small talk in line with strangers is more rare, everyone is in there own pod, only coming to interact when they want or need something from someone, depersonalizing communication.

We are now multi-taskers but at what cost. Always doing something, honing some skill, either it be witty remarks online, word finding, or catapult trajectory. But, are we sacrificing our skills with interpersonal communication. At least we aren't bored any more.

Source http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/25/tech/mobile/oms-smartphones-boredom/index.html

Picture Sources http://travelsofadam.com,ign.com, transportationnation.org,http://thatawkwardmomentwithartieabrams.tumblr.com/