Scientists Find Binge Television Viewing, Watching More Than Three Episodes In One Sitting, Connected to Depression, Loneliness, and Self Regulation Deficiency

The word binge is often associated negatively with binge drinking or binge eating. It has that negative connotation because it is the overindulgence of something within a short period of time. Until recently, binge watching hasn't been looked at as a behavior that is frowned upon. Recent studies are showing that it is not as harmless as it seems.

• Watching more than three episodes in one sitting is considered binge viewing.
• Largely popular websites such as Netflix, Hulu, and On Demand services make it easy for people to binge.
• According to a survey I held, 73% of people consider binge viewing television an addictive behavior. 

Online streaming and binge viewing is a fairly new topic as it has just become available and more popular to users over the past couple years. An article published on NPR describes the findings of the lead researcher on this topic, Yoon Hi Sung. Sung is a doctoral student at the University of Texas at Austin. Of the research Sung has completed so far, she has come to the conclusion that binge watching doesn't make you diagnosed as depressed, but it is only a connection between the two behaviors. The participants who are more lonely and depressed are more likely to binge watch to escape from their sadness.

Her full research will be presented at the International Communications Association on May 21st-25th in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This is a well-respected association that consists of over four thousand members in eighty different countries.


This Newsweek article reminds us that it's not just Netflix and the other popular online streaming websites that allow people to binge watch. DVD sets and On Demand services allow for long hours of nonstop watching. It is just that some features on Netflix allow binge watching to become easier.

The autoplay feature on Netflix leads to addictive behavior and causes users to continue to binge watch and neglect other parts of their lives. 

When a user finishes an episode on Netflix there is a 15 second pause before the next episode begins playing automatically. This autoplay feature makes it hard for people to self regulate themselves. People just keep watching even though they know they have other tasks to complete. It can especially be hard for students who are constantly on their laptops. The temptation is always around. People find themselves thinking they will just watch one episode as a break from studying, or working, and the next thing you know they have watched three or more episodes. This self-regulation deficiency can lead to isolation and loneliness.

Netflix's strategy to release new seasons of shows all at once is also a cause for addictive behavior. Popular shows like "Orange is the New Black" and "House of Cards" require much self-regulation for people to control themselves from watching too much at a time. People want to continue watching, and they are able to because every episode of the show is available.

It is also no surprise to add that long hours of sedentary behavior are not good for your physical health. Lilian Cheung, from the Harvard School of Public Health, reports that, "There's convincing evidence in adults that the more television people watch, the more likely they are to gain weight or become overweight or obese". She added, "And there's emerging evidence that too much TV watching also increases the risk of weight-related chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes."

People tend to prefer to binge watch alone, which can lead to being antisocial and isolating behavior.

As binge watching is rising in popularity, most people chose to watch their shows at home alone. Memes all over the internet are created showing the pervasiveness of binge watching television shows rather than going out with friends. People find it easier. It's always there and it becomes very comfortable. Whisper, an anonymous posting app, shows many postings like this.

In a survey I held over the past week I found these results. Binge watching is an addictive behavior and when it is done alone, you are isolating yourself. Instead of going out with friends people sometimes chose to stay in and watch alone, which is fine every once and awhile, but when it becomes addictive it can lead people to become more antisocial. 

In the same survey I held, I also asked the question "Have you ever felt it was hard to stop once you have started watching?" 82% of people responded yes. To self regulate yourself in this regard is very hard, but there are ways to help. 

Break up binge watching by taking breaks between shows and discussing the show with others to avoid isolation and loneliness. 

Physically you can make binge watching healthier by getting up and taking breaks between watching. This little bit of physical activity can be very beneficial. Mentally, you can avoid isolation by discussing the shows you are watching with others. Whether it is an online discussion or with friends in person this is a helpful way of getting away from watching the television show itself.

Many people are surprised by the amount of other people watching the same shows...especially the really popular ones like "Breaking Bad", "Orange is the New Black", and "House of Cards". These shows bring up many topics of discussion, and many people enjoy discussing them just as much as they enjoy watching them.

Another way to avoid binge watching on Netflix is to turn off the autoplay option. The settings page offers a way to just watch one episode at a time. This is a way to deter temptation of continuing to watch.

Some people find it helpful to regulate themselves by only watching a certain amount of episodes at a given time. Or some people also find it helpful to use it as a reward. For example, if I get this assignment done, then I will allow myself one episode. Or, if I get a good workout in, I will allow myself one episode. Setting goals like this and using it as a reward gives you a break and makes for a healthier lifestyle.