Simon is going through a phase where he says he's bored and wants me to do something with him. This makes sense, because I'm pretty sure that he's outgrowing some of the gaming stuff he was into, as that used to be a primary leisure-time activity for him. But I also find myself telling him that he needs to learn to be bored.
When you're bored, I think it makes you more curious. Being curious leads to new adventures, or at the very least, new interests. Curiosity keeps you learning, too. So in that sense, boredom is a very useful thing. It also gives you time to reflect, gain perspective and rest the mind.
Venturing into social commentary (because where else did you think I would go with this?), I really believe that folks are often incapable of boredom. And yes, it's because of those doom-scrolling devices, or more specifically, anti-social apps. You see it everywhere, even at a place as over-stimulating as a theme park. If there's even the slightest moment of boredom, out come the phones. If you don't see it, you're probably doing the same thing.
Try this: Next time you're waiting for something, or queueing, at the airport or the grocery store, keep your phone in your pocket. Look around, watch people. Observe. If you're really ambitious, try talking to people. If my eye contact-avoiding autistic ass can do it, so can you. I think whatever momentary human connection you have will be far more rewarding than pulling out your dumbphone.
The cure to boredom isn't electronic stuff, it's curiosity.
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