Published Mar 15, 2016

Episode 23: Boredom

Delve into the psychology of boredom with Shankar Vedantam as he explores how it shapes behavior, impacts mental health on Earth and in space, and influences work dynamics, revealing its surprising connections to creativity and decision-making.

Episode Highlights

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Episode Highlights

Related Episodes

The Secret Life of Secrets
Answers 383 questions
The Curious Science of Cravings
Answers 383 questions
Waiting Games
Answers 383 questions
Bullshit Jobs
Answers 383 questions
BS Jobs
Answers 383 questions
Why We Hold on to Things
Answers 383 questions
Episode 43: The Perils of Power
Answers 383 questions
Episode 39: Vacations
Answers 383 questions
The Choices Before Us
Answers 383 questions
Where Happiness Hides
Answers 383 questions
The Psychology of Self-Doubt
Answers 383 questions
Why You Feel Empty
Answers 383 questions
Happiness 2.0: The Path to Contentment
Answers 383 questions
Episode 12: Humor
Answers 383 questions
Episode 36: Science of Deception
Answers 383 questions

Dexa/Shankar Vedantam

Episode 23: Boredom

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Space Boredom Explained

The Boredom Effect

Boredom and Meaning

Boredom in Space

Boredom and Work

Boredom's Hidden Effects

The Boredom Paradox

Cooking in Space

Episode Highlights

Space and Boredom

Boredom in Work

Boredom Psychology

Related Episodes

The Secret Life of Secrets

The Curious Science of Cravings

Waiting Games

Bullshit Jobs

BS Jobs

Why We Hold on to Things

Episode 43: The Perils of Power

Episode 39: Vacations

The Choices Before Us

Where Happiness Hides

The Psychology of Self-Doubt

Why You Feel Empty

Happiness 2.0: The Path to Contentment

Episode 12: Humor

Episode 36: Science of Deception

Episode 23: Boredom

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Episode Highlights

Space and BoredomSpace missions present unique challenges with boredom, as astronauts face static environments and limited social interactions. Creative solutions like cooking and sensory stimulation are explored to combat these issues, enhancing mental health and mission success.

Space and Boredom

Boredom in WorkEffort aversion and repetitive job challenges are key factors in why people end up in boring jobs. These issues not only affect job satisfaction but also have broader implications for mental health and productivity.

Boredom in Work

Boredom PsychologyShankar Vedantam examines the complex nature of boredom and its significant impact on behavior and society. Through studies and discussions, he reveals how boredom influences decision-making, social biases, and even creativity.

Boredom Psychology

Related Episodes