MTV recently unveiled its new international research study, “F*ck Boring, Ignite Passion,” revealing that almost all (97%) of 15,000 12 to 24-year-old respondents across 26 countries are affected by boredom, with two-thirds experiencing it on a weekly basis and nearly one-quarter every day. This equates to more than 340 million people aged 12 to 24 being bored at some stage daily.

With the average teenager in markets like the UK now owning up to six connected devices, MTV’s study suggests that being able to choose from an eye-popping volume of content and social media options may actually be fuelling boredom in addition to alleviating it.  Forty percent said mindlessly browsing the Internet was one of the most boring activities they undertook–more than school (39%) and work (33%).

Although three in four say boredom is a part of life, tellingly 85% believe it is something you can get rid of. To combat boredom, respondents’ overwhelming first go-to is media and entertainment options – specifically listening to music, watching movies, browsing social media, watching YouTube and entertainment television.

Additionally, nearly nine out of 10 respondents cited humor as the key character antidote for breaking the cycle of boredom.  Alongside humor and the ability to see a laugh, those surveyed also identified creativity (85%), curiosity (81%) and passion (73%) as valuable personality characteristics to stop boredom.  Lastly, the power of social connections was also recognized, with the vast majority (95%) saying they are least bored when they’re with friends.

Other findings from the study include:

• Boredom Ranker. Sixty percent of young people hate being bored.  In fact, they hate boredom more than feeling anxious (58%), having acne (55%), or missing out (54%).  However, being broke, failing or being embarrassed are larger concerns.
• Boredom Nations. The nations reporting the highest levels of youth boredom are Malaysia (83%), the United Kingdom (79%), Brazil (79%), Singapore (78%) and Sweden (77%).  The least bored youth reside in Russia (56%), Belgium (55%), Indonesia (53%), Hungary (52%) and the Netherlands (49%). All 26 countries surveyed reported a healthy dose of boredom, with only the Netherlands falling below 50%.
• Free and Bored. Free time is where boredom often begins for this group. Three of the top four situations in which young people are most likely to get bored are at home before bed (41%), on the weekends (33%) and during holidays (29%).