Era of Binge-Watching: An ‘Asset’ or an ‘Abyss’?

Abstract

Binge watching, contemporarily, is a new pattern of watching television or online shows since COVID-19, where maximum episodes are viewed in just one setting for at least 2-3 hours. Smart phones and laptops are the conventional devices used to stream on shows on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime & Hotstar for the sake of entertainment, leisure experiences, relaxation, enjoyment etc. But alternatively, binge watching accompanies cons for viewers like low level of conscientiousness, low emotional stability, impulse control difficulties, lack of premediation, sleep problems, anxiety, stress, depression, cognitive problems, conduct & inattention issues etc. People engage in binge watching when there’s high need for sensation seeking, need for escapism, breakout from loneliness, social learning & motives linked, character identification, cultural inclusion, sense of completion, emotional regulation etc. Problematic and non-problematic viewing are evaluated on different spectrum & hence controlled viewing under moderate levels should be recommended. Occupation can have an impact on the decision to binge watch, but it’s independent of age and gender.