Imagine a relaxing weekend afternoon when you start to watch a show with the intention of watching only one episode. But before you realise how time has passed, you end up watching an entire season. This is a common scenario now that can be considered a norm rather than an exception. Viewers now have extraordinary access to an enormous selection of content, allowing them to get caught up in the stories of their favourite shows for hours on end with an auto-play option that smartly changes from one episode to the next. Many people fall into the temptation of "just one more episode" now that full television seasons are accessible with just a click. This is made possible by streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Chorki, Binge, Hoichoi, etc.
Why binge-watch?
"Binge-watching depends on the quality of the series to me. It's not constant, but whenever the content hooks me, I don't stop watching until it's over," said Mohammad Saiful Islam, a journalist from Dhaka. The sensation of instant satisfaction that binge-watching offers is one of its biggest appeals. The conventional television schedule no longer limits viewers; they can watch full seasons at once. This instantaneity may be quite attractive, particularly for people looking to unwind from the demands of daily life or participate in a hobby during their free time.
Also, binge-viewing enables audiences to immerse themselves in a show's universe, catching up on character and storyline specifics that may be missed while watching episodes irregularly over an extended period.
Dark sides of binge-watching
The effects of binge-watching on the human body are alarming. Long periods spent sitting, usually in inactive positions, can raise the risk of metabolic disorders, obesity, etc. Individuals who spend much time in front of screens are likelier to have high blood pressure and cholesterol. In addition, prolonged screen time can cause eye strain, and the disorders known as computer vision syndrome: headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and eye fatigue are some symptoms that can seriously lower quality of life and decrease productivity.
Raisha Rajib, a BRAC University Pharmacy graduate, said in this regard, "Binge-watching an entire season of a K-drama or any new show is one of my guilty pleasures. I do wish I slept a little bit more, but I don't really regret binging show after show; after all, it's a way for me to brush off stress. However, it has shortened my sleep time and given me the worst headache."
Prolonged screen use can upset our natural cycles, making it more difficult to fall asleep and remain asleep. This may result in sleep deprivation and insomnia, which are connected to mood problems and cognitive decline.
On the other hand, binge-watching might worsen feelings of isolation and loneliness and lower communication, particularly for people who use it to escape social interactions or everyday life concerns. Even though binge-watching a series by yourself could feel comforting at first, it can eventually make you feel more alone and disconnected from other people, leading to a sensation of emptiness or frustration.
Rahadul Islam, MTO at a private bank in Gazipur, said, "I am a constant binge-watcher who is willing to sacrifice all sorts of socialising, programs, or outdoor events to watch series one after another. I actually have forgotten if I have any other leisure activities in my book apart from this."
The blurring of the lines between fiction and reality is one important aspect. Binge-watcher shows frequently develop strong emotional attachments to the imaginary universes and characters portrayed on shows, sometimes to the extent that they find it impossible to differentiate between them.
"Binge-watching affected me both physically and mentally. Like I became more lazy. I often tend to think about the scenes from movies or series on repeat, even if I don't want to. It just became a habit," said Faria Rahman Rattry, a fresh Pharmacy graduate from BRAC University. This hazy boundary can cause people to become emotionally attached to made-up characters and plots, increasing empathy and connection and even leaving them feeling empty or lost when a series ends.
Managing regular life and responsibilities
A major obstacle while binge-watching is finding a balance between watching shows and our responsibilities in everyday life. While it's pretty simple to lose track of time when fully involved in an engaging series, overlooking responsibilities can have terrible consequences. "Binge-watching a show is my top priority when spending time. If I think of what to do, binge-watching pops up in my head within seconds. I find myself too invested in binge-watching and realise that it has slowed down my life responsibilities, and I tend to delay my tasks," Rattry said.
For students, the urge is stronger. The temptation of amusement can be tough to ignore. Thus, this conflict frequently results in a struggle to remain motivated and focused on responsibilities. Students who prioritise binge-watching above their academic responsibilities may also feel anxious or guilty about it. Professionals also struggle to distinguish work obligations from binge-watching, which can lead to lower output and performance.
Mohammad Saiful Islam shared his experience, "I have tried a lot to avoid binge-watching, but I struggle to focus on anything else when I am in a good TV series. This causes temporary concentration issues and workplace problems. But, as I watch them the whole night, for instance, finishing Breaking Bad five seasons in flat 4 days, disrupts my sleep schedule, which takes months to retrieve. Not to mention headache and eyesore coming with it."
Professionals may feel overburdened when handling the divergent demands of job responsibilities and the urge to chill with binge-watching after an intense day at work. Managing work and personal obligations and prioritising self-care can be difficult when binge-watching.
Balancing things
Discipline and self-awareness are essential for appropriate binge-watching. Mr Rahadul addressed, "I know I won't be able to resist binge-watching, so I decided not to watch any new content during the working days. Only the weekends would be my showtime, which worked. I might get back to that rule again for the sake of balancing my routine."
Limiting screen time, taking frequent breaks, and prioritising physical activity and social connections can lessen some of the harmful impacts of binge-watching.
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