ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we discuss how aggression is cure of boredom, with aggressive entertainment pleasing both the ancient Romans of the grand Colosseum as well as the modern movie and game consumer. We theorize that aggression provides a much-needed increase in stimulation for the bored individual. However, this efficient alleviation can result in non-negligible interpersonal outcomes when enjoyment of aggression is no longer just vicarious. We draw on new evidence demonstrating that both the dispositional tendency to feel bored and the situational state of boredom may motivate especially cruel displays of aggression whereby excitement is derived from hurting others.
