The Art Of Getting Bored

If you know my account a bit, you probably know that I’m trying to get rid of overconsumption of technology, like scrolling or asking AI everything (even simple things). As a first step, I tried to decrease my screen time and stop scrolling completely. I deleted TikTok, unfollowed all unnecessary influencers on Instagram, and told everyone to message me (on WhatsApp) or, even better, call me instead of DMing me whenever they want to reach me, despite the fact that I used to hate phone calls.

I don’t only put limitations on technology, but I also try to deepen my real-life connections. And I realized something while meeting my friends: people hate getting bored. People hate silence because they can’t put up with their inner voices. The best example is how we listen to music while walking just to shut our thoughts down.

That’s why when I say I deleted TikTok, everyone’s first reaction is, “Don’t you get bored?” Well, yeah, I do get bored. In the past, we used to get bored, but now they control our brains with nonstop streaming. Getting bored isn’t something bad; it’s just a human thing.

Getting bored is when we get creative, when we think, when we get ideas to solve our problems, not to cover them with fake, instant rewards like likes or followers on social media. We blame AI for killing creativity, but AI can’t kill creativity. Creativity is in our human brains. Only we can stop our creativity by shutting our thoughts down, and not only creativity, but humanity too.

Since 2026 just started, try going on a walk without your earbuds on. Try to get bored. Try to just stare at the ceiling, or better, at the clouds, and think about what their shapes look like. Maybe you’ll see a train, maybe you’ll see a face, or maybe you’ll get that aha! moment. You’ll get an idea, or solve a problem that’s been bothering you.

Embrace silence. Embrace your inner voice.