Why Are We More Bored Than Ever? The Psychology of the Digital Age

With endless entertainment at our fingertips, shouldn't boredom be disappearing? Paradoxically, the opposite seems to be happening. Despite having unlimited access to social media, streaming platforms, games, and constant notifications, people today report feeling more bored than in the past. In this fascinating lecture, Prof. Katy Tam explores the surprising science of boredom — one of our most common yet least understood emotions. What exactly is boredom? Why did we evolve to experience it? And what does it reveal about our attention, motivation, and search for meaning? Drawing on the latest research in psychology, Prof. Tam argues that many of our digital habits may actually be making us more bored, not less. She'll unpack how constant stimulation affects our minds, why boredom plays a crucial role in a meaningful life, and what we can learn from an emotion most of us try to avoid. Expect an engaging, evidence-based evening that will leave you looking at your phone — and your own attention — in a completely different way. About the Speaker 💡 About the wonderful Prof. Katy Tam Prof. Katy Tam is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Toronto and the Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Digital Media and Emotion. Her research examines how people navigate an increasingly distraction-filled world, exploring the psychology of boredom, attention, meaning, and digital media. In 2023, she received the Ig Nobel Prize for research that "first makes people laugh, then think," and in 2026 she was named a Rising Star by the Association for Psychological Science. 📅 Date: Septmber 22, 2026 🕡 Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM 📍 Location: Black Lab Brewing 🎤 Speaker: Prof. Katy Tam 🎟 Seats are limited!