At some point or another, we have all found ourselves hooked on the latest television series or another one we enjoy and have been unable to stop watching it for even a second. Thus falling into the temptation of watching episode after episode without being able to stop; the phenomenon popularly known as a series marathon. Although this is a fact without negative connotations and is increasingly common, it can carry a certain level of risk. When this behavior exceeds “normal” limits or continuous abuse occurs, it is known as binge watching.
What is binge watching or series addiction
The term binge watching is a word of English origin referring to people who view audiovisual entertainment products abusively or without any self-control. Its closest translation would be “binge.” A way of referring to this phenomenon that is very frequently used to associate it with individuals suffering from eating disorders and drug problems.
The birth of binge watching dates back to the nineties, with the release of films and series in home format. That is, VHS and DVD for sale to the general public. Its definition in Spain has evolved to refer to this phenomenon as a “series marathon.” A more positive and socially accepted term, linked to healthy audiovisual entertainment.
Although series addiction already has several years of history, it has gained greater impact in recent times. The emergence of online video platforms, such as Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime, Movistar+, Apple TV+, or Disney+, have normalized the massive consumption of audiovisual content. Now it is the viewer who decides when they want to watch television series, where, from which electronic device, and, most importantly, for how long.
The return of the binge watching phenomenon is raising all alarms. Since, although it is an uncommon behavior and very limited at the moment, it has brought its possible health consequences into the spotlight of debate. A fact that, like any other behavioral disorder, can lead to the development of psychological dependence.
Symptoms of binge watching or series addiction
To be able to speak of binge watching, it is important to differentiate what would be a socially accepted activity from an addiction disorder. In the first case, these are people with a great passion for film and series. At certain specific moments, they may spend excessive time consuming audiovisual products.
In the second case, however, it is a phenomenon that affects the usual routine of individuals. This fact causes them to lose control over their daily tasks and responsibilities, they suffer from an inability to make decisions, and it ends up negatively affecting all areas of their life, creating escalating consequences.
Binge watching is a behavioral disorder. Therefore, it is a psychological addiction that generates effects on the brain. Its most well-known consequences are:
Loss of sense of time
The ability to view audiovisual content at any time facilitates continuous viewing. Especially in the case of series, where one episode can be watched immediately after finishing the previous one. As a result of this, the sense of elapsed time is lost, and the individual may forget about meals, get less sleep, or abandon their responsibilities.
Withdrawal syndrome
Series addiction causes the individual to feel frustrated, anxious, irritable, with constant emotional alterations and/or negative mood changes when unable to view the content at the desired moment.
Decreased tolerance
The psychological disorder produced by binge watching causes the brain to release more dopamine. A chemical substance associated with pleasure and the ability to experience emotions. Therefore, as the individual consumes a greater amount of the product, they increasingly need an even larger dose to feel the same effects as at the beginning.
Loss of control
The craving to constantly watch series ends up creating a psychological need. Consequently, the addicted person begins to arrive late to work, have unjustified absences, social relationships deteriorate, family problems appear, and social isolation and the first health problems occur.
Derived disorders
There are some series that, due to their production and level of drama, already predispose the viewer to obsession with them. The level of narrative plots hooks them to the point of wanting to consume all episodes compulsively. Subsequently, they may experience continuous daydreaming by constantly thinking about them. This ultimately causes them to disconnect from reality and can lead to psychological problems similar to paranoia and delusions.
Consequences of binge watching or series addiction
Binge watching can create the following consequences:
- Poor eating habits
- Obesity and overweight problems
- Physical pain and heart problems
- Deterioration of cognitive abilities, such as memory and concentration
- Difficulty making decisions
- Episodes of anxiety, depression, and feelings of emptiness
- Social problems
- Psychotic disorders in the most exceptional cases
Treatment of binge watching or series addiction
To be able to help a person addicted to series, first they must be made to understand that a problem exists. For them, this fact is not visible because they consider it a very important activity and one of their top priorities in their daily life.
Second, to treat series addiction, help must be offered to recover normalcy and the lost connection with other people. Spending so much time isolated damages friendship and trust with other individuals. However, this step must be taken without pressuring the person so that rejection does not appear.
Finally, when treating binge watching, support must be provided to be able to make decisions and gradually recover previous normalcy. For example, setting a daily limit of episodes to watch without becoming obsessed.
If the situation is too complex or difficult to resolve, you can contact an addiction therapist. CCAdicciones is a center specialized in dependencies and behavioral disorders. Request an appointment and we will assist you.
