Processors in computers operate with an internal clock frequency, synchronizing their operations to execute instructions. Every time a computer processes tasks, energy flows through its circuits, generating heat. To manage this, processors use Dynamic Frequency Scaling, adjusting speed to balance performance and heat dissipation. This mechanism allows the processor to slow down when fewer tasks are required, reducing energy consumption and preventing overheating.
Our brains, however, seem to function differently. Instead of an internal clock, their processing speed appears to fluctuate based on the presence of hormones. When adrenaline surges—say, when escaping a wild boar (I originally considered a bear, but Leonardo DiCaprio proved otherwise)—our cognitive functions accelerate. Conversely, when lying in bed, hormone production drops, and mental activity slows. However, prolonged hormone deficiency does not seem sustainable. From an evolutionary standpoint, maintaining a baseline level of cognitive engagement is crucial for survival and progress. Perhaps this explains why our minds wander in unexpected ways, such as generating a flood of ideas during a Sunday mass. This observation also hints at why prolonged engagement with social media can feel unnatural—despite its entertainment value, something within us resists being submerged in it indefinitely. Over time, I started questioning the addictive design of these platforms and whether it’s possible to escape their grip altogether.
At its core, the desire to engage with something—anything—is what fuels our attraction to entertainment apps like YouTube. These platforms continuously offer new content to explore, preventing boredom from setting in. When boredom does strike, the brain immediately seeks the next course of action. Typically, it follows one of two paths:
The Straightforward Path: This consists of well-defined tasks requiring minimal decision-making. Examples include picking up a book you’ve already started, continuing a blog post, or tackling a cybersecurity challenge. This path is appealing because it offers clear next steps. However, it also includes effortless distractions like scrolling through Instagram—an option that requires no mental effort yet provides instant gratification.
The Novel Path: This involves tackling something new—such as building a physics engine in C, setting up a private DNS server, or contemplating an original idea. These tasks require initial effort just to figure out how to begin. Unlike the Straightforward Path, where progress is immediate, the Novel Path often leads to hesitation. The challenge is avoiding paralysis by over-planning—spending too much time envisioning every step rather than diving in. When a project is simple, mapping out the entire process in advance may work. But for complex endeavors, experimentation is essential. Otherwise, one risks endlessly contemplating possibilities without ever taking action, much like walking on a treadmill and expecting the scenery to change.
The difference between these two paths is clear: the Straightforward Path provides immediate clarity, while the Novel Path requires navigating uncertainty. Yet, despite its challenges, the brain seems to reward the Novel Path more generously—following a "less effort, less reward" principle. This reward system likely evolved to encourage innovation. After all, a species that only repeats familiar actions stagnates, while one that constantly explores new possibilities thrives. This explains why completing a challenging project feels profoundly more fulfilling than an hour of mindless scrolling.
Unfortunately, modern technology exploits this system by flooding the Straightforward Path with effortless, high-reward distractions. Tasks that once required effort—such as reading a book or tidying up—now compete with activities that demand almost nothing: listening to music, watching videos, or endlessly swiping through TikTok. This shift distorts the effort-to-reward ratio, making it alarmingly easy to engage in low-effort behaviors while receiving a deceptive sense of accomplishment. My biggest concern is the possibility of an entire generation growing up without ever experiencing the deep satisfaction that comes from voluntarily pursuing and completing something challenging—because their attention has been hijacked by instant gratification.
This brings me to another key factor: boredom. Boredom often serves as the gateway to Novel Path exploration. Whether sitting in church or enduring a dull lecture, these moments frequently spark new ideas. However, in our hyper-connected world, boredom is rarely tolerated. Eating a meal without watching a video, finishing a project without immediately checking notifications, or simply staring out the window until inspiration strikes—these experiences are becoming rare. Instead, the Straightforward Path takes over almost instinctively, with smartphones offering the fastest escape. While this provides immediate mental engagement, it often represents a local maximum—a temporary reward that falls short of the deeper fulfillment found through true creative exploration.
Perhaps we should give ourselves more time before reflexively reaching for our phones. But what would be the clear incentive to do so?
