People Would Rather Shock Themselves Than Sit Alone

Silence makes people uncomfortable. Not the kind that comes after a bad joke but the kind where there is nothing left to do but think. In a world that bombards us with notifications, background noise, and endless distractions, the idea of sitting alone without any stimulation seems unbearable. But just how unbearable? A study from the University of Virginia discovered something shocking. When given the choice between sitting quietly with their thoughts or giving themselves an electric shock, many chose the latter. They preferred physical pain over mental stillness.

The study, led by psychologist Timothy Wilson, gathered participants and placed them in an empty room without their phones, books, or any source of entertainment. All they had was their own mind. The task was simple. Do nothing but think. The majority struggled. Many described the experience as unpleasant and uncomfortable. Then came the twist. A button was introduced. Pressing it would deliver a mild electric shock. Nothing dangerous but strong enough to cause discomfort. The results were baffling. Sixty-seven percent of men and twenty-five percent of women chose to shock themselves rather than sit in silence.

This isn’t just some quirky human behavior. It reveals something deeper. People are so accustomed to constant stimulation that the absence of it becomes unbearable. The fact that some preferred pain over an empty mind says a lot about our relationship with solitude. If given the choice between discomfort and their own thoughts, many would rather feel something than face nothing.

This raises an important question. Have we lost the ability to be alone with ourselves? Every free moment is filled with scrolling, notifications, and endless entertainment. There is little time left for pure reflection. This constant input leaves little space for creativity, self-discovery, or deep thinking. If a person cannot sit quietly for just ten minutes without reaching for their phone or, in this case, shocking themselves, what does that say about their ability to process emotions, reflect on life, or make thoughtful decisions?

A simple way to break free from this cycle is by using the TimeCube Plus Preset Timer —a distraction-free tool designed to help you set intentional moments of focus and mindfulness.

One theory behind these results is that solitude forces people to confront thoughts they would rather avoid. When life is busy, it’s easy to push aside worries, insecurities, and unresolved emotions. Sitting alone with no distractions removes that shield. Thoughts flood in, sometimes uncomfortable ones. Without an escape, people are forced to deal with whatever is on their minds. For some, this is harder to endure than a physical jolt.

The study also highlights something else. The human brain craves engagement. It is wired to seek stimulation, even if it means choosing something unpleasant over nothing at all. This explains why people doomscroll on their phones even when they know it’s bad for their mental health. The mind dislikes boredom, and the need to escape it often leads to irrational choices.

But here’s the good news. Being comfortable with solitude is a skill that can be developed. It starts with small steps. Mindfulness, meditation, and even simple daily moments of reflection can train the brain to be at ease in silence. Setting aside time to sit quietly, journal, or take a walk without distractions can help build this muscle. The goal isn’t to eliminate distractions altogether but to regain control over when and how they are used.

A great tool to support this journey is the Five Minute Journal —a simple yet powerful way to practice gratitude, self-reflection, and intentional thinking.

There is a lot to gain from embracing quiet moments. Some of the greatest ideas in history came from deep thinking. Philosophers, inventors, and writers have all relied on solitude to unlock creativity and insight. Learning to sit with one’s thoughts, even when they are uncomfortable, is a gateway to self-awareness and emotional intelligence. It allows people to process emotions, gain clarity, and make better decisions.

The world isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Distractions will continue to multiply. The ability to sit in stillness without the need for constant stimulation will become even more valuable. It isn’t about rejecting technology or entertainment. It’s about reclaiming control over attention and learning to exist without constant noise. The fact that some people would rather endure an electric shock than sit alone is a wake-up call. It’s a reminder to step back, unplug, and relearn the lost art of being alone with our thoughts.