People Prefer Electric Shocks to Staying Idle for any Length of Time: Study

Many people prefer giving themselves an electric shock rather than sit doing nothing, finds a study.

The saying 'empty mind is a devil' workshop' reminds people to stay occupied with work or meaningful thoughts to keep depression and boredom at bay. Psychologists from the University of Virginia and Harvard University found that many individuals go to the extent of hurting themselves just to kill time rather than remaining idle. The researchers reviewed nearly 11 studies on people aged between 18 and 77 to note their psychological reactions and responses when they had no tasks to do or think about or daydream for six to 15 minutes.

The analysis revealed participants mostly like doing activities like listening to music or playing with their smartphone when they have absolutely nothing to do or ponder. Many agreed that they didn't mind giving themselves mild electric shock and found 'free time' less enjoyable. Almost 12 out of 18 men and six of 24 women tased themselves while enduring 15 minutes of boredom. This attitude and response was uniform in subjects of all age groups. However, these findings are not applicable to present era where electric devices like smart phones and notepads keep people occupied. The authors believe the constant usage of these devices is aresult of wanting to be busy all the time.

In some studies, the participants were asked to sit alone in a room for 15 minutes without cell phones or any reading materials. It was observed entertaining themselves was the priority of the volunteers who exhibited poor concentration and low attention span while being interviewed by the experimenters. The trial when conducted in people's homes also gave similar results.

"We found that about a third admitted that they had 'cheated' at home by engaging in some activity, such as listening to music or using a cell phone, or leaving their chair. And they didn't enjoy this experience any more at home than at the lab," said Timothy Wilson, study author and psychologist at the University of Virginia in a news release.

Although humans crave for extra free time to relax and do nothing, prolonged periods of disengagement induces restlessness and bouts of depression.

"The mind is designed to engage with the world. Even when we are by ourselves, our focus usually is on the outside world. And without training in meditation or thought-control techniques, which still are difficult, most people would prefer to engage in external activities," Timothy adds.

More information is available online the journal Science.