Have you ever told yourself, “Just one more episode and then I will stop,” and then you end up watching the whole series?
Whether it’s a bone-chilling crime thriller, or a hilarious comedy show, you find yourself having trouble with managing your screen time. This is the impact of binge-watching. But what exactly is binge-watching and what are its effects? Let’s dig deeper and find out more about it.
What is binge-watching?
Binge-watching is when a person watches a series of episodes of a show in one sitting or a short period of time. It has become more popular and convenient for people to binge-watch with the rise of streaming platforms releasing full seasons at once.
Why do people binge watch?
One of the main reasons people binge watch is the addiction to dopamine, a hormone released in the body when a person feels happy or is in a good mood, which makes the body feel relaxed and excited. Just like its effects, dopamine is also known as the “feel-good hormone.” When people feel joy, their brains release this hormone, which can be addictive since the body feels refreshed without much effort, making people want more and more.
Another reason people binge-watch is to escape reality. The real world may be too much pressure for them, and they might find peace and comfort in the shows they watch. People who are stressed will find peace in watching a show they like after a long day. This may be a short-term solution to stress, but there are adverse after-effects, such as depression and loneliness.
“Individuals with binge-watching behavior are more likely to be affected by depression because depression makes people want to escape their current state of frustration and consume more TV to release this pressure,” according to ResearchGate, whose mission is to connect the world of science and make research open to all.
Binge-watching can have other negative effects over time, according to MedicalNewsToday, whose content is science-led facts, such as:
Sleep deprivation
When people watch television at night, which is when most people binge watch, they will reduce their sleep time and have irregular sleep patterns. This can lead to sleep deprivation and a lot of strain on the body. It can also result in drowsiness: feeling tired or sleepy when people are not supposed to — like in the middle of the day. When a person is drowsy, they will start to lose concentration in their work and will have lower energy levels. In some cases, drowsiness has led to accidents because the drivers were not able to concentrate.
Physical health problems
When people binge watch they stay in the same place for an extended period of time. It will result in a sedentary lifestyle. The lack of physical activity can lead to many health issues like obesity and problems with cognitive functioning, which includes the person’s memory power and the ability to solve problems.
Social isolation
People isolate themselves from the outside world when they start binge-watching. This can lead to loneliness since they don’t interact with people, which can result in depression. People may begin to avoid others and spend less time with their friends and family. Since they don’t interact with people, they might start to have trouble with socializing. As ResearchGate notes, binge-watching behavior is often linked to depression and social interaction anxiety.
What makes binge-watching worthy?
Not all shows are binge watched. For a show to be binge-worthy, it needs to be able to capture the viewers’ attention from the start. It also needs to have a good flow for viewers to understand the story line better. “If a story is told in a continuous manner, you feel more compelled to follow through with the story,” according to Cosmic Years, which is a news site focused on discussions and community events for comics, movies, gaming and television. Shows with a good flow and a cliffhanger at the end of episodes are sure to thrive in the competitive field. A cliffhanger is a plot device used in fiction to end a section of a story or the end of an episode in a big question. This will leave the viewers wondering what will happen next, making them come back for more.
How has binge-watching changed the way movies are produced?
With the rise of binge-watching, TV show productions have changed a lot. The writers focus on continuous flow and serialized narrative instead of standalone episodes, making the viewers addicted to the plot and staying interested in the show for a longer period of time.
Shows that gained popularity because of binge-watching
Some TV shows have become popular because of binge-watching. For example, shows like Anne with an E, The Devil’s Hour, and Blood of Zeus were initially overlooked by the viewers, but with the rise of binge-watching, gained popularity over time according to cinema blend, which is part of Future U.S. Inc., an international media group and digital publisher.
Tips to avoid binge-watching
There are many ways to avoid binge-watching. One way is to set a limit on the amount of time people spend watching shows. This can hold them accountable. People can incorporate physical activity while they binge watch like doing household chores. While watching shows this way, they won’t be sedentary.
Conclusion
Binge-watching is an easy way to relax and break free from reality and stress. However, it is really important to know about the negative impacts such as lack of sleep, health problems and social isolation. By setting limits people can enjoy shows that bring them excitement without affecting their lives.