Your parameters, gentlescientists

[flemmings]

Most people would rather torture themselves than be alone with their thoughts

I like being alone with my thoughts; I spend a lot of time that way. What I don't like is sitting in a chair with them. Lying down, perfect; walking, fine; sitting- without the distraction of a screen or book- ouchy.

They should have tried the experiment with a comfy couch.

See also: why I am not (yet) a Buddhist.

Comments

[purpleicicles.livejournal.com]

Hmmm, I suppose the authors have a point that daydreaming is more fun when it comes on spontaneously, but I tend to find that being with my own thoughts is a whole lot more enjoyable that the people in the study found it. I seem to able to daydream on command though, so I suppose that's why I find the idea so strange. Sadly, I also don't find these results surprising, as it goes a long way to explain my observation that people can't seem to leave their f***ing smartphones alone for more than a few seconds... *grrrr*

[xsmoonshine.livejournal.com]

I don't see why a person can't torture themselves and be alone with their thoughts at the same time. /multitasking

[flemmings.livejournal.com]

I used to be able to daydream on command, and can still do it under the right circumstances. For years it was my default mental mode; where do you think all those fics came from? So yeah, I find the results puzzling.

Agree with you completely about the cell phones and their rationale. Which still puzzles me: even if I had a cellphone, I have no one to text. Some people are such social butterflies...

[flemmings.livejournal.com]

That might indeed be why people hate to be alone with their thoughts, given where undirected thoughts go to often enough.

[mvrdrk.livejournal.com]

LOL! I don't see a mild shock as torture, more as a curiosity.

[xsmoonshine.livejournal.com]

They did get to experience the shock beforehand, unless you mean they got curious and decided to try a spot of bdsm... :)

[mvrdrk.livejournal.com]

LOL!

[petronia.livejournal.com]

Someone just reblogged my post on Tumblr about "bedtime procrastination" -- staying up until you fall down in order to avoid the 15 minutes of downtime when you're lying in bed bored.

[flemmings.livejournal.com]

I didn't understand that post myself. 'In bed, bored'? I'm all 'in bed at last at last at last, the world Out There has gone away and I'm in my safe sweet space oh lovely pillows lovely duvet lovely warm beanbags under my shoulders ahhhhhh....' This may have something to do with the physical nature of my work, true; but the release from mundane concerns must surely be the same?

Mind, I usually take an hour to get to sleep, so lying in bed and mentally floating is something I'm accustomed to. If I stay up until I fall down I-- don't fall down, and am awake till 6.

[purpleicicles.livejournal.com]

Whaaaat... That's the best bit, surely? Lying in bed and letting your mind drift a little is the best opportunity for ideas buried in your subconscious all day to finally come forth!

[flemmings.livejournal.com]

Pre-cisely.