Trait Boredom and Problematic Use of New Technologies: A Meta-Analysis

In recent years, numerous studies have investigated the association between trait boredom and the problematic use of digital technologies, producing a wide range of effect sizes. We conducted this meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines. A systematic literature search was performed in four databases: PsychINFO, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. A total of 25 studies ( n = 15,152) met our inclusion criteria. We used a random-effects meta-analysis of Pearson’s r coefficients with Fisher’s Z-transformation. The results showed a moderate positive association between trait boredom and problematic digital technology use (r = .38, 95% CI [.32, .43]), with no evidence of publication bias. The relationship was not moderated by participants’ sex or age, nor by the type of digital behavior assessed. However, the year of publication, sample size, and methodological quality significantly moderated the strength of the association. The high level of heterogeneity observed suggests that additional moderators may influence this association. These findings highlight the relevance of trait boredom as a likely psychological vulnerability factor in problematic digital behavior. Future interventions should consider boredom proneness when developing prevention and treatment strategies for digital overuse.