Boredom arises from our inability to engage one of our brain’s attention networks. Our awareness of this inability to concentrate leads to frustration - the feeling of being bored - which we take out on our environment.
After investigating the mental processes involved in boredom, psychology researches have defined boredom as: “an aversive state of wanting, but being unable, to engage in satisfying activity.”
Further research into boredom could help prevent accidents (from lack of attention) and health issues related to boredom (such as overeating).
Read more at University of Guelph