I think the researcher (and probably a lot of the people engaging in this challenge) are missing one of the major benefits of these do nothing challenges. 4+ hours is excessive, but the main point is that modern life is just constant stimulation. From the moment I wake up to the moment I fall asleep it's just "input", news articles, social media content, TV shows. There is always something to consume.

Doing nothing for even just 15 minutes is a way to conciously stop consuming for a little bit.

I would also be interested to know about the researcher's relationship with their phone. If they aren't prone to doomscrolling it would probably be pretty hard to relate to the need/want to do nothing.

THIS! YES! WOW!, this is so excellent! do this with a clean heart and mind, and no further proof of self is needed. I am humbled by the wisdom and resiliance of our species.

"boredom lab researcher"? Well...

I remember as it was yesterday, many years ago I saw on National Geographic a NGO lady flown thousands of miles to Africa to sit on a boulder and explain (I imagine - the Tv was on mute) the intricacies of her trade. Lower left on the screen there was her name and her job title: "Human Lion Conflict Specialist"