There is a variety of stances on the matter of binge-watching when it comes to its behavioral aspects. Some scholars argue that it qualifies as an addiction caused by deeper underlying issues, while some treat the problem as a symptom. Concerns arise around impaired mental health through the lens of addiction and impaired physical health associated with long periods viewers may spend sitting down. This work discusses the emergence of technology and streaming services and some psychological factors that may be predictive of the emergence of binge-watching behavior. Positive and negative aspects drive people’s desire to consume extensive amounts of digital content in one sitting; differences between positive and negative motivations may have also been discussed. Ultimately, the problem of binge-watching is highly relevant in modern society as it concerns a substantial proportion of the population, especially younger generations.
Background
As a phenomenon, binge-watching is a relatively recent occurrence. Researchers define binge-watching as watching over two episodes of a show in one sitting (Steins-Loeber et al. 142). With the development of more sophisticated and intentionally addictive plots, which end each episode with a dramatic ‘hook,’ viewers became increasingly compelled to continue watching (Steins-Loeber et al. 141). Another significant contribution to the prevalence of the binge-watching trend was the emergence of streaming services. First, the costs of watching numerous episodes of the same show became much less than purchasing the show for permanent ownership. Second, companies began to release shows in seasons rather than episodes (Koirala). Third, the absence of advertisements interrupted viewers was a considerable advantage in sustaining interest, focus, and motivation to go on (Steiner and Xu 12). Lastly, unlike television, streaming could be done from mobile devices such as laptops, tablets, or phones, making it easier to consume content from different places, not necessarily confined to one’s living room with a TV (Song et al. 9; Steiner and Xu 13). As a result, the pattern of watching several short episodes in a row became possible and increasingly more widespread.
Historic Milestones
Arguably, one of the most significant turning points in film and television history was the creation of series and multi-episode shows. A notable incidence occurred in 2013, with Netflix paving the way for many subscription services by releasing the entire season of House of Cards (Koirala). The binge-watching problem was further compounded once the COVID-19 pandemic commenced, confining most people to their homes for an extended time. The consumption of digital media increased by as much as 60%, with the resulting rise in binge-watching as people were trying to find ways to occupy themselves (Hernandez). Thus, the second major milestone was the occurrence of the pandemic.
Interested Parties
The interest of the research community and the broader public in binge-watching is reasonably broad. A significant proportion of viewers experiences regret their unsustainable and potentially disruptive consumption of media, seeking a ‘remedy’ for such behavior (Steiner and Xu 13). According to Paprocki, as much as 88% of adults are compromising sleep for the ability to enjoy more episodes. Moreover, most people suffering from binge-watching are young adults, commonly college-aged, for whom the issue of lacking sleep is already acute (Hernandez). Hence, binge-watching attracts attention due to its widespread nature and potential for adverse effects on health and productivity.
Distinct Stances
One of the primary claims about binge-watching is that it is either an addiction in itself or is addiction-inducing. For instance, 44% of younger Americans stated that they habitually stay up late to binge-watch favorite shows, resulting in a loss of sleep and consequent insomnia, fatigue, and other concerns (Paprocki). At a psychological level, binge-watching behavior may be explained by several reasons, and the list is not exhaustive to this date. Binge-watching is caused by a loss of control over one’s impulse to gain a quick reward or instant enjoyment, which is not overturned even by considering potential negative consequences (Steins-Loeber et al. 142). Specifically, people turned to such terms as “compulsion, withdrawal, overdose, habit, functional (binger),” and admitted to feelings of regret, guilt, or self-loathing after longer episodes (Paprocki; Steiner and Xu 13). However, one of the major underlying assumptions of such a position is an inherent connection between ‘heavy use’ or copious watching and problematic behavior.
Not all researchers draw the direct connection between binge-watching behaviors and resulting issues, treating the former as a heterogenous issue rather than an addiction. For instance, some of the positively associated factors are “enjoyment, passing time, stress relief, and social interaction,” while the negative ones are “depression, loneliness, and social problems” (Song et al. 1). Researchers have found that people list a few of the same reasons for binge-watching: wanting to relax, improving the experience of the content, feeling accomplished, catching up on the content in a limited period, and cultural inclusion (Steiner and Xu 9). Depending on which of these drivers are significant motivators for binge-watching, the extent and impact of this behavior may differ. In stating so, the researchers assume that the problematic potential of binge-watching hinges on its ability to provide instant gratification in a less ‘functional’ or productive way.
An alternative view from the community is that binge-watching is merely a habit, and it can be addressed in a fashion similar to other habits. Some present binge-watching as a regular activity, stating that binging shows together fosters a sense of community and thus strengthens interpersonal relationships (Koirala). In cases where people feel discontent with their screen time, media advice focuses on general habit alterations. For instance, Hernandez advises avoiding patterns of uninterrupted watching in the first place, exercising more regularly, creating social gatherings for an interactive watching experience, or moderating the excitement. However, the underlying assumption in the case of such investigative scholarship is that binge-watching is akin to other casual habits and does not have a severe harm potential.
The frequency of high-dosage consumption in itself may not be a cause of specific problems. Instead, it may result from certain personality traits or mental health illnesses such as depression or impulsivity (Song et al. 1; Steins-Loeber et al. 142). Moreover, an interplay of some motives may result in binge-watching. Recreational motives are the desire to relax and to be entertained; “riskier” motives are “escapism, loneliness, stimulation,” as well as the desire for social interaction or new information (Ort et al. 5). Therefore, binge-watching may be perceived as a symptom or a method to deal with other issues, depending on the context.
Major Arguments
The first central argument in the scholarly literature is that binge-watching should wholly qualify as an addiction that induces correspondent health risks. A line that separates a habit from addiction is habitually drawn when a given behavior interferes with one’s daily duties, a characteristic often observed in people engaging in binge-watching (Steiner and Xu 13). According to Steiner and Xu, a significant proportion of interviewees admitted that the quality of their work or studies being compromised due to binge-watching demonstrates the addictive properties (13). Moreover, Steiner and Xu found that many interviewees utilized language markers commonly associated with addiction to describe their relationship with the technology of streaming several episodes in a row (13). Therefore, the first significant position in the research is that binge-watching is the source and the manifestation of addiction.
Habit
Another point of view is that binge-watching is not inherently addictive or detrimental since it is a complex phenomenon. Ort et al. advocate for caution in treating all types and causes of binge-watching as the same, suggesting that different motives may cause different types of binging and, thus, varying consequences (4). Binge-watching may remain a simple occasional habit, depending on the underlying motive. For instance, if people watch TV shows excessively for relaxation, it may not be as addictive as when watching helps them escape or socialize (Ort et al. 5). Ort et al. argue that although the frequency of binge-watching is related to somewhat problematic usage, the issues’ overall incidence is sufficiently low that such behavior cannot be described as problematic or addiction-like (5). Ultimately, the researchers contend that there are many societal and individual drivers, and the difference in their type may determine the damage dealt by this habit.
Symptom
Lastly, binge-watching may be viewed as a symptom of underlying complications and crises rather than an issue in itself. Interestingly, impulsivity and depressive symptoms represent two different contributing factors to the problem of unstoppable content consumption. More impulsive individuals were more likely to lose control over bingeing a show and continuously, albeit unintentionally, neglect their primary duties (Steins-Loeber et al. 145-146). However, people with severe depressive symptoms were more likely to consciously extend their watching times to distract themselves from negative feelings and experiences (Steins-Loeber et al. 146). In this scenario, scholars argue that binge-watching itself may be a tool to deal with other complications, thus not clearly defining it as a ‘pure’ addiction.
Point of Contention
One of the principal areas of disagreement among scholars concerns the cause-effect conundrum. While such researchers as Steins-Loeber et al. contend that binge-watching does not serve as the source of addiction but is the result of being predisposed to addiction or having other problems, Steiner and Xu insist that binge-watching causes the dependence. The major difference between the two perspectives, in this case, is whether consecutively watching an excessive amount of content is in itself addictive or whether it is addictive because of other reasons. While researchers do not have competing interests and use similar methods of online and in-person interviews, they inevitably focus on the issue’s different aspects. In Steins-Loeber et al.’s perspective, there are drivers of dysfunctional behavior in general, not exclusive to bingeing movies: personality traits like impulsivity, gender, low self-control, depression, and others (147). In Steiner and Xu’s perspective, certain aspects are specifically pertinent to binge-watching: the desire to feel relaxed, the convenience of modern technology, and others (16). Together, these external and internal aspects are what make binge-watching so addictive.
Alternative Perspective
Alternatively, binge-watching is presented as a heterogeneous behavioral phenomenon that drives and is driven by different personal and societal facets. Like previous researchers, Ort et al. utilized an online survey to obtain the results of their research. However, unlike previous researchers, they separated the issues of problematic watching behaviors and watching large amounts of shows. Moreover, it critically approaches the causes and consequences as two distinct aspects of binge-watching. Such a separation allowed us to observe a pattern where viewing TV or shows in high dosages was not necessarily predictive of dependence (Ort et al. 5). Overall, contrasting with first two stances, the alternative perspective avoids generalization of all bingeing behaviors, concluding that health effects may differ depending on the circumstances.
Works Cited
Hernandez, Ernesto. “Avoid Unhealthy Habits Associated with Binge Watching.”The DePaulia, 2020, Web.
Koirala, Bishakha. “10 Pros and Cons of Binge-Watching.”Honest Pros and Cons, 2020, Web.
Ort, Alexander, et al. “Is Binge-Watching Addictive? Effects of Motives for TV Series Use on the Relationship between Excessive Media Consumption and Problematic Viewing Habits.” Addictive Behaviors Reports, vol. 13, 021, pp. 1–7. PubMed, Web.
Paprocki, Jonathan. “Binge-Watching Is Stealing Your Sleep.”Sleep Education, 2019, Web.
Song, Lianlian, et al. “Investigating Consumer Binge-Watching Behavior: A Valence Framework Perspective.”Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, vol. 62, 2021, pp. 1–14. ideas.repec.org, Web.
Steiner, Emil, and Kun Xu. “Binge-Watching Motivates Change: Uses and Gratifications of Streaming Video Viewers Challenge Traditional TV Research.” Convergence: The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies, vol. 26, no. 1, 2020, pp. 82–101. DOI.org (Crossref), Web.
Steins-Loeber, Sabine, et al. “Binge-Watching Behaviour: The Role of Impulsivity and Depressive Symptoms.” European Addiction Research, vol. 26, no. 3, 2020, pp. 141–150. DOI.org (Crossref), Web.
Sun, Jia-Ji, and Yen-Jung Chang. “Associations of Problematic Binge-Watching with Depression, Social Interaction Anxiety, and Loneliness.”International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 18, no. 3, Jan. 2021, pp. 1–9. DOI.org (Crossref), Web.