Binge-watching is a phenomenon that has existed long since the DVD ages. However, with the rise of platforms like Netflix, and Amazon Prime, it has become much more common and popular.
A typical American watches TV for about 20 hours a week, and most of this time is utilized binge-watching! Be it the intriguing plot of the story or the astounding graphics; these TV shows have got us hooked to the screens.
Well, who can blame us when there is a cliffhanger hanging just around the corner? That one episode of suspense leads us to another, and this cycle repeats, forming a pattern of binge-watching.
So, that brings us the main question: why do people love binge-watching these TV shows in the first place? Let’s find out!
A typical American watches TV for about 20 hours a week, and most of this time is utilized binge-watching! Be it the intriguing plot of the story or the astounding graphics; these TV shows have got us hooked to the screens.
Well, who can blame us when there is a cliffhanger hanging just around the corner? That one episode of suspense leads us to another, and this cycle repeats, forming a pattern of binge-watching.
So, that brings us the main question: why do people love binge-watching these TV shows in the first place? Let’s find out!
It Is An Addiction!
Addictions are quite detrimental to our body and mind, but you may believe that there is no harm in binge-watching. Therefore, the chances are that you would deny that it is an addiction in the first place.
Ask yourself if you ever felt blissful and satisfied after binge-watching some TV show, and in the majority of the cases, this answer would be a yes. According to the clinical psychologist, Dr. Renee Carr, you experience this feeling of joy as a result of the release of hormones and chemicals!
Ask yourself if you ever felt blissful and satisfied after binge-watching some TV show, and in the majority of the cases, this answer would be a yes. According to the clinical psychologist, Dr. Renee Carr, you experience this feeling of joy as a result of the release of hormones and chemicals!
This dopamine release induces a feeling of euphoria, and since your brain perceives this as a reward, it continues to engage in this activity to augment this sensation further. So, how does this affect us?
Our brains develop a form of addiction because we start craving dopamine. Since now it knows that binge-watching equals to release of dopamine, we continue to engage in this activity.
As with any addiction, the tolerance level to dopamine increases with time, which means, unknowingly, we are forced to binge-watch for longer periods to experience the same level of pleasure we did before!
So, is it harmful? Researchers from Jagiellonian University, Poland, performed extensive research to answer this question. The results are inclined to point out that this form of addiction is similar to online gaming addiction!
Our brains develop a form of addiction because we start craving dopamine. Since now it knows that binge-watching equals to release of dopamine, we continue to engage in this activity.
As with any addiction, the tolerance level to dopamine increases with time, which means, unknowingly, we are forced to binge-watch for longer periods to experience the same level of pleasure we did before!
So, is it harmful? Researchers from Jagiellonian University, Poland, performed extensive research to answer this question. The results are inclined to point out that this form of addiction is similar to online gaming addiction!
It Is A Stress-Reliever!
The stress levels are on the rise with the increasing workload, and today we are not just competing against ourselves, but also competing against AI robots that seldomly need breaks! We seek respite in any form available, and most of the time, it comes in the form of binge-watching.
Yes, a study conducted by the University of Toledo revealed that this could lead to depression and uneasiness, Dr. John Mayer disagrees. As a clinical psychologist, he instead has said that it can just be the perfect stress management tool that we need!
You Bond With The Story!
Arjan Chatterjee, who is a professor of Neurology at Penn Medicine, believes that we lose the sense of physicality and reality because we are transported to the world of TV shows. The apprehension and the curiosity to know more make you binge-watch it.
We also start developing empathy towards the character despite knowing that they are fictional and non-existent. As said by Edward Titchener, a psychologist who hails from the U.K., we get attached and hooked to the stories charged with emotions and complexity due to our capability to recognize others’ feelings.
Final Thoughts
Occasional binge-watching is not dangerous but ensure that your love for binge-watching does not take the form of addiction. It is essential to strike a balance between binge-watching and other aspects of your life to ensure your shows do not take over.
