What really causes boredom in humans and what does 'I'm Bored' mean anyway? Is it a state of mind or is it based on environment? What are some of the things you do when you are bored and have free will? How about when you do not have free will, for instance you are at work, class, etc.
environmental - before there was society and civilization, I can't imagine anyone was bored. You were always sleeping, hunting, or eating. Now, though, when it's so easy to get food - you are bored more often.
When I'm bored I post here (no offense meant. )
I think it can be effected by either one. Obviously environment does make a difference because if you're sitting in a room with absolutely nothing around you, that tends to make a person bored. There are times, though, where I know it's just psychological because there are a hundred things I could be doing, but I'm choosing to just sit and do nothing.
I know what you mean by it being psychological and environmental. I don't know what you would call bordem brought on through depression. It's not your will to be bored, it's the little stupid neurotransmitters in your brain that are making you that way, . When I'm bored I sit and watch cartoons and let them numb my brain, or I try to get a good rper to help me out of the dip I'm in. And in class. Hmmm... In high school it was daydreaming, but now that I'm in college and have a laptop, I simply play games and pretend to be typing out notes, . Don't tell .
Boredom is ultimately a personal choice, but by imposing artificial environmental factors on a person, it is more likely that he or she will make that choice. For example, television, movies, music, news, the internet, billboards, etc. are designed to provide visual and auditory stimuli as constantly as possible. When they are cut off, the void they leave in the habit of constantly absorbing information makes boredom a natural reaction. However, it is controllable. If one works productively for an hour instead of watching a soap opera, he or she will feel more permanently satisfied.
Perhaps the feeling of boredom is a natural defense against soul-destroying slothfulness. The sick feeling of boredom is sometimes a sign that it's time to do something more important.
To become comfortable with solitude without reverting to useless boredom, try walking someplace away from man-made stimuli, and think in a focused manner about only one important thing for two to three minutes without allowing your mind to 'flip channels,' or in other words, without allowing any other images or associations to pop in and interrupt. If you ponder something truly important, you may find, as I did, that focusing and clearing my mind for a moment is a great way to overcome boredom and gain strength to do the important things.
User Maicman, please refrain from assuming what is obvious to others. Simply state your position on the issue and leave it at that. Consider this a warning.
Boredom, in my opinion is many things. From enviroment, to repetition, to a need of change. Sometimes I believe you just are bored from repetitiveness, or the fact that something is not interesting to you as a person. Another thing that could also be boredom is the enviroment. Work sometimes can be boring, so can play. In my opinion it just varies.