US EditionNetflix and Ill? Study Links Binge-Watching to to Loneliness
Researchers surveyed 551 adults and found 61% met criteria for binge-watching addiction linked to loneliness and motives like escapism during the pandemic.
- Published in the journal PLOS One, researchers found an association between loneliness and binge‑watching addiction, but the study could only show an association, not causation.
- Emotional motives such as escapism and emotional enhancement predict binge-watching, with loneliness significantly linked to these addictive viewing patterns, the research team found.
- Researchers surveyed 551 adults who were heavy TV‑series consumers watching at least 3.5 hours per day and more than four episodes per week, with 334 respondents meeting addiction criteria.
- Compulsive binge‑watching can affect sleep, daily routines and emotional well‑being, and may act as a coping mechanism when social connection is limited or emotional pressure builds.
- In South Africa, where average screen time is high, SADAG reports more than half of workers struggle with mental health, amid pandemic-related concerns.
16 Articles
16 Articles
What a binge-watching addiction reveals about you
Settling in for a few episodes of your favourite show after a long day is normal for many people. Streaming has become a familiar way to relax, switch off and fill quiet evenings. But for some viewers, the anticipation of the next episode becomes difficult to postpone with habits that start to affect sleep, routines and emotional well-being. New research suggests that your binge-watching addiction may reflect more than just a love of TV series. …
Watching TV for more than three hours straight may be a sign of loneliness
Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source Sign up for our free Health Check email and receive exclusive analysis of your health this week Get our [...] The post Watching TV for more than three hours straight may be a sign of loneliness appeared first on thelocalreport.in.
Researchers Xiaofan Yue and Xin Cui from Huangshan University in China analyzed the responses of 551 adults who were major TV consumers
Binge-watchers could be hiding from loneliness, research suggests
Beijing (dpa) – Binge-watching, like the binge-drinking from which it gets its name, has long had a bad reputation, carrying associations of idleness, lack of sleep and being antisocial. For this reason, many fans and streaming company PR departments prefer a different, more athletic term: the "marathon." But the negative health association is warranted, according to researchers at China's Huangshan University, who say binge-watchers are likely …
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