This is the trap they have you in. Of course there is always something "more interesting" on the internet. The interesting creates the adrenaline rush, the adrenaline rush gets you addicted by changing adrenaline receptor density which leads you looking for something even more exciting.

Even when you are just looking around IRL, one view will be more interesting than the other, right? But now that got you all doped up on "super interesting" through this teleportation device to all things interesting, everything around you look extremely boring in comparison.

As your adrenaline receptors come back to life you will find that everything around you is really actually quite interesting.

I don't know where you're from, but in the US, the average spot I'd be killing time in is surrounded by acres of parking lots and a busy stroad or two. A Tamagotchi or 1980s pocket calculator is more engaging.

Nothing to do with adrenaline, addiction, doom-scrolling, dopamine or chemical receptors. Millions of people are surrounded by a wasteland of asphalt and machines going 60mph with nothing interesting within sight.

I have sold photographs of some of the most boring things in the world. For exampke, a playing card in a gutter on the street.

I was also homeless for five years and had to spend times in some of the worst places in the US.

You do not see it because you are desensitized.

I’m sorry you had such difficult things to overcome in your life and I applaud you for your skilled eye as a photographer, but you’re coming on pretty strong and I think you could do with being a little less aggressive when trying to make your points. For the record, I am a cinematographer. I’m not sure why that’s relevant but apparently it is.

You also know nothing about our relationship with phones and such. You just sound like somebody who has an ax to grind.

My friend it doesn’t have to be my phone. If I’ve got something to read nearby I’ll pick that up if I think to grab it before leaving.

I am as much of a dopamine junkie as anyone here, but I am perfectly comfortable leaving my phone behind for long stretches and sometimes I’m just sitting at a public transit stop around ads and concrete. Unfortunately people watching, while romanticized as the ultimate fun activity by interesting indie folks in movies, does get old eventually.

This feels really wise. Thanks

That's true. But that only brings me back to my point about boredom being a good thing. Maybe you disagree though. That's fair.

I doubt you spend every second of your non-work time staring into space though. I like to read, for example; just because I do it on my phone in public sometimes doesn't mean I'm not finding other times for quiet contemplation.

> I doubt you spend every second of your non-work time staring into space though.

Do you really think that's what was being suggested? I assumed they were merely suggesting to not reflexively reach for your phone any time you have a moment of downtime.

The example used doesn't seem like a good indication of reflexively reaching for a phone, as doing things while waiting at a bus stop is pretty reasonable and has been around long before smartphones.

You're right though, that's likely what was meant, which I agree with. The hyperbole was unnecessary.

Embrace boredom.