7 | Binge-Watching (Old, New, Domestic, or Global)

Today's digital age has drastically changed and transformed how we consume entertainment. Through streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Crunchyroll, and Disney+, audiences can choose from a variety of shows that cater to their personal interests.

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Through this, though, has been the prevalence of binge-watching. Binge-watching is a behavior pattern recognized by individuals spending their free time watching media in succession, often with minimal breaks. With entire seasons released at once, audiences are exposed to endless content just a click away. What used to require weeks, and even months, of watching through cable television, can now be experienced in a single weekend. 

Before this, binge-watching was only available through on-demand services and DVD boxed sets that let viewers watch entire series at their leisure. Now, though, streaming platforms make these series available through monthly subscriptions. 

Interestingly, binge-watching taps into the brain's reward system, particularly the neurotransmitter dopamine. This "feel-good" chemical reinforces behaviors that provide us pleasure so that we do them more. Binge-watching rewards us with a rush and is the very thing driving us to click to the next episode. But this behavior often mirrors a lot of addiction tendencies, meaning that the more we do something to satisfy our cravings, the more the craving grows. 

Binge-watching can lead to a sedentary lifestyle (meaning an increase in obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and other health issues), feelings of guilt, neglect of duties, and burnout. Furthermore, binge-watching can affect sleep cycles, interfering with sleep, productivity, and even physical health if it becomes a habit. 

Binge-watching may also cause social implications. Individuals may spend more time in front of a screen than interacting face-to-face with friends and family, leading to increased isolation and social interaction anxiety. This addiction may also lead to a neglect of real-world responsibilities and interpersonal relationships, creating a vicious cycle of loneliness and increased feelings of unhappiness. This avoidance behavior seeks to replace real-life social interactions with emotional attachments to characters in a show, leading to reduced social skills and the development of parasocial relationships. 

Despite these drawbacks, binge-watching does have a few benefits. On the positive side, binge-watching offers an immersive experience. Watching episodes back-to-back allows audiences to form deeper connections with characters and storyline development. Rather than recapping what has happened, audiences are fully equipped to continue following the storyline, as these elements are still fresh in their minds. This continuity makes plot twists, cliffhangers, and other shocking plot devices more compelling and character development more satisfactory. 

Binge-watching is also a great escape. Audiences can return home after a long day and unwind, and escaping into a favorite show feels like a reward. Oftentimes, people even watch things together, fostering social bonding as family members and friends gather to watch and discuss what they've been streaming. Another benefit is control. Audiences can choose when to start and stop, and how quickly to move through a series. Rather than following a rigid schedule, entertainment is up to the consumer. 

The only times I'm able to binge-watch are during the summer. During the school year, it's hard to find time to sit down and watch a show, so it's during the summer when I allow myself to unwind from the school year. These shows I usually watch throughout the day, whether I'm eating, playing video games, or sitting down to fully immerse myself. Just this year, I watched Shameless and Stranger Things in their entirety, and finished both of those shows in about two weeks, respectively.   

As for my other binge-watching habits, I frequently revisit shows that I've already seen. Anime such as Jujutsu Kaisen, Haikyu!!, and Demon Slayer have been shows I've revisited with friends and family and for my personal enjoyment. Other television shows, such as Once Upon a Time, Bridgerton, and every Mike Flanagan production, are always on my radar. Although I've seen these shows multiple times, they still offer me the same enjoyment.

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Each of these shows have their own style, storylines, tone, and appeal that draws me to them. Some are perfect for long binge-sessions (Stranger Things and Haikyu!!), while others offer a more leisurely viewing experience (Bridgerton and Demon Slayer). How I approach these shows––whether I'm watching them in a weekend or throughout the week––prevents me from developing burnout, as I am in total control of how frequently I consume these medias. 

At the end of the day, binge-watching is about balance. Getting hooked on a show is part of the fun, but audiences should remain aware of their binge-watching habits. By recognizing how binge-watching can affect individuals' health and social experiences, viewers will learn how to enjoy something without it taking over their time and energy.