This has lead to a new concept calledbinge-watching.
LaylaBird / Getty Images
Research
Binge-watching has become common behavior.
Heavy screen time use was also associated with perceived stress.
LaylaBird / Getty Images
Potential Health Consequences
Over time, binge-watching may harm your health in ways you may not expect.
The more sedentary you are, the higher your risks are for these conditions.
A sedentary lifestyle can also increase your risk of premature death.
The connection between BMI and body fat wasnt as high with active sitting.
And that risk remains even if a person is not overweight and still being physically active.
They concluded by noting the importance of managing these growing problematic behaviors.
Binge-watching among the study group was found to be a way to manage negative feelings.
and those who struggled with self-regulation were more likely to binge-watch.
Behavioral Addictions
Binge-watching might be considered a behavioral addiction.
Having a behavioral addiction means you are dependent on and crave a particular behavior.
Behavioral addictions can include anything from gambling to sex and videogames and yes, even, binge-watching.
These factors resemble neurological features seen in addiction.
And as with other addictions, binge-watching isnt their only addiction.
A study reported in 2019 in the journalScientific Reportssuggests binge-watching could lead to cognitive decline down the road.
The researchers suggest that instead of spending long hours watching TV, people should engage themselves in mind-building activities.
This includes activities like reading, puzzles, games, and physical exercise.
This is especially important if you are unable to reduce your streaming time on your own.
Sabin S.Most young adults have an appetite for binge-watching shows.Morning Consult.
2020 Aug 26;20(1):1295. doi:10.1186/s12889-020-09410-0
MedlinePlus.Health risks of an inactive lifestyle.
Beale C, Rauff EL, O’Brien WJ, et al.Are all sedentary behaviors equal?
An examination of sedentary behavior and associations with indicators of disease risk factors in women.
Int J Environ Res Public Health.
2020 Apr 12;17(8):2643. doi:10.3390/ijerph17082643
Kochanny K.The impact of binge-watching on your health.
2019 Jul 2;8(13):e010406.
2017;6(4):457-471. doi:10.1556/2006.6.2017.060
Sung, Y. et al.A bad habit for your health?
An exploration of psychological factors for binge watching behavior.
65th Annual International Communication Association Conference, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Grant JE, Potenza MN, Weinstein A, Gorelick DA.Introduction to behavioral addictions.Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse.
2010;36(5):233-241. doi:10.3109/00952990.2010.491884
Sussman S, Moran MB.Hidden addiction: Television.J Behav Addict.
