I think it works as a kind of discipline or short-term reward mechanism. Like I can say just for this day, I won't read or browse Hacker News and that helps to

I think it works as a kind of discipline or short-term reward mechanism. Like I can say just for this day, I won't read or browse Hacker News and that helps to structure my day/week. But in terms of total abstinence or total boredom, I don't think it works. It's not like not reading Reddit or Hacker News, will make a person suddenly more efficient. What abstaining can do is that it provide some more structure just like how Pomodoro provides structure. Like there is a schedule and so mind can focus better a little bit since instead of checking-out Hacker News; the discipline will be there that I can check-out You-Tube or Hacker News after my work hours are done. So there is less constant interruption as well. At least in my office, we don't allow browsing of video sites during work hours, and it provides some helpful structure which I imagine is similar to just not browsing HN for a period of time.