As the world slowly shifted toward digital entertainment, we’ve all become familiar with various streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. These services offer up endless hours of entertainment for subscribers- and the idea of sitting down and binge-watching has never been easier. For those who aren’t familiar with what binge-watching is, it’s the act of watching multiple episodes or an entire season of a TV show in one sitting. Binge-watching culture isn’t just a term used by millennials; it’s something people of all generations enjoy. In fact, a recent survey found that 73% of subscribers, who also identified as binge-watchers, reported that they having binge-watched more in the past year compared to the year before. With this in mind, it’s not difficult to see why the art of binge-watching is a trend that’s here to stay.
A Brief History of Binge-Watching
The art of binge-watching originated in the 1990s, where the act of recording shows and watching them later became popular. The invention of the DVR made it easier for people to record and watch shows at a later time, however, it wasn’t until Netflix began streaming entire seasons of shows that encouraged the trend to grow.
In 2013, Netflix changed the game by releasing the first season of House of Cards, an original series that was entirely available for streaming at once. This move cemented Netflix’s place as a major player in the entertainment industry and helped popularize the idea of binge-watching.
Today, binge-watching isn’t just limited to Netflix. Other streaming services have followed suit, releasing entire seasons at once- and the rest of the world seems to have caught up. More and more people around the world choose to bask in the glow of their screens- whether from their TV, phone, tablet, or PC- to watch hours upon hours of entertainment. But what drives this trend?
The Psychology of Binge-Watching
As humans, we have an innate desire to seek out and consume survival-enhancing resources such as food, water, and shelter. It is the act of indulging in that need.
Binge-watching can also satisfy our basic psychological needs for social connection and recognition. Binge-watching often takes place with friends or family, and people can bond over their shared interests in TV shows. Knowing the same inside jokes and references as someone else can create a unique sense of camaraderie. Furthermore, the tendency for people to tweet, blog or post on social media about the shows they’re currently binge-watching showcases their personalities and what things interest or excite them, leading to a sense of validation and recognition from others.
The Art of Binge-watching
Binge-watching is not just sitting in front of a TV or computer and staring blankly at a screen. To do it properly is an art in itself. Here are some things to keep in mind while binge-watching that will make the experience more enjoyable.
Find the Perfect Spot
Choose the right spot for yourself to binge-watch. Make sure it’s a place where you are comfortable, and it has all the necessary amenities like drinks, snacks, and a bathroom. Seating should also be a priority, and it must provide the right amount of comfort and support, especially if you plan to binge-watch for an extended period.
Plan Your Schedule
A binge-watch session can go on for more extended periods that result in loss of time. Therefore it is advisable to plan your schedule before starting a binge-watch session. Determine how many episodes you want to watch, what time you want to start and finish, and what activities you must do before and after the session.
Select the Right Series
The variety of TV shows available can be overwhelming, so choosing the perfect one is crucial. Before committing to a series, consider how many seasons it has, the genre, and the ratings. Picking a well-known or generally well-received show might add an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience since millions of viewers and enthusiasts globally share its interest.
Snacks
These are essential to a binge-watching session. Snacks like popcorn or chips make for excellent nibbles that need minimal preparation. However, healthy snacks like fruit and vegetables should also be considered, as they provide vital nutrients necessary for long viewing periods.
Take Regular Breaks
It’s essential to take short breaks during binge-watching sessions; after all, our bodies weren’t designed for sitting in one single position for hours. During your breaks, stretch or walk around to get your blood flowing. It’s advisable to keep up with things like hydration or make that bathroom run whenever needed, and plan these quick breaks into your viewing schedule.
Benefits of Binge-watching
Binge-watching can have therapeutic benefits, offering us a mental escape from everyday life. With the high-stress nature of today’s fast-paced society, taking a break, and indulging a guilty pleasure by sinking into hours of entertainment can be downright therapeutic, allowing us to recharge our mental energy.
Binge-watching can also improve our cognitive functions, such as attention and memory. In the moments of intense concentration when we’re binge-watching, our brains are stimulated in a way that increases attention, cognitive function, and neural response, elevating our reflexes, coordination, and mental agility to better levels.
Moreover, the practice of binge-watching helps increase empathy and understanding for other members of society. It allows viewers to absorb various cultural contexts, sometimes from foreign countries, to appreciate the values and lifestyles of people different from themselves, ultimately leading to humanistic attitudes.
However, while there might be several proven benefits to indulge in binge-watching, excessive indulgence can also have detrimental effects- including disruptions in sleep patterns and the possibility of addiction or overdependence on entertainment to satiate feelings of boredom or stress. Hence, moderation is key.
Ending Thoughts
The art of binge-watching is a trend that isn’t going away anytime soon. It comes with plenty of benefits, including therapeutic relaxation, improved cognitive function and memory, and increased empathy and understanding.
Given the staggering transient nature of binge-watching, it’s vital not to lose sight of the critical things life offers. Moderation and finding the right balance between work and entertainment are vital. With that in mind, binge-watch to your heart’s content, but don’t let it replace other things that life offers.
