on PinterestRecent research shows that “binge-watching addiction” may be associated with high levels of loneliness. Image Credit: Ibai Acevedo/StocksyA recent study found that “binge-watching addiction” may be associated with loneliness.
on PinterestRecent research shows that “binge-watching addiction” may be associated with high levels of loneliness. Image Credit: Ibai Acevedo/Stocksy
- A recent study found that “binge-watching addiction” may be associated with loneliness.
- While “binge-watching addiction” is not a diagnosable disorder, addictive tendencies can arise when you experience physical or psychological harm from watching TV.
- Frequency of binge-watching and motives behind the behavior may offer insight into when it becomes problematic.
Binge-watching is a common practice that has become even more popular in recent years. This practice is defined as watching between two and six episodes of a series in one sitting.
While binge-watching in and of itself is not necessarily a problematic behavior, it may be associated with problematic viewing habits, as well as mental health issues and loneliness.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), “binge-watching addiction” is not a diagnosable addictive disorder. However, excessive binge-watching can lead to addictive tendencies.
Addictive tendencies can arise when a person experiences physical or psychological harm as a result of watching TV, and they find it challenging to stop.
A recent study from Huangshan University in China was published in PLOS One. It examined how binge-watching behaviors may affect loneliness and how they may be used to cope with loneliness.
How can binge-watching affect mental health?
The researchers surveyed 551 adults who watched at least 3.5 hours of TV per day and viewed more than four episodes in one sitting per week.
Participants were asked to answer questions in order to assess addictive behaviors, motives for binge-watching, and loneliness.
Of the respondents, 61% (334) met the criteria for “binge-watching addiction.”
Among this group, higher levels of loneliness were associated with binge-watching. The group of respondents who did not meet the addiction criteria did not show this same association.
These results led the researchers to suggest that people experiencing “binge-watching addiction” may have distinct motivations and mindsets that those who watch a lot of TV without addiction do not have.
They found an association between both escapism and emotional enhancement motivations. This indicates that “binge-watching addiction” may be due to people engaging in both avoiding negative situations and seeking to boost positive emotions.
“Binge-watching would have a serious impact on our mental health because it limits us from engaging in a wide range of activities that are known to be healthy for our well-being,” Menije Boduryan-Turner, PsyD, licensed psychologist and founder of Embracing You Therapy, who was not involved in the study, told Healthline.
“Meaning, for wholesome self-care, one needs to engage in both physical and mental, emotional, and spiritual activities. To lead a balanced life, we need to enjoy physical movement to release stress, engage in self-reflection to process our emotions, and explore spiritual practices to provide a sense of grounding,” she said.
The study authors posit that people who experience higher levels of loneliness, are seeking emotional fulfillment, or are using binge-watching as an escape mechanism, may be more likely to experience “binge-watching addiction.”
This research only showed associations between “binge-watching
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