The increase in high-quality television series available through Netflix and Amazon Prime indicates a paradigm shift in viewing patterns, with binge-watching replacing weekly episode releases as the most popular way to watch television. Of all people, today’s younger generation is the most inclined to instant gratification, which is more likely to be relevant in modern human conditions . The trend of binge-watching is also consistent with the pace of modern life: it fulfills the desire to consume faster. These considerations are aggravated by the ubiquity of smartphones, which compel one to check them continuously. Had smartphones been around 20 years ago, binge-watching would have been even more popular, which means that people are less inclined to wait and want to consume as quickly as possible.
Instant Gratification and Binge Behaviour
Indeed, in a rapidly moving world where each minute costs a fortune, progression toward the art of instant enjoyment involves not merely entertainment. It expands to aspects of cooperation with others, where digital networks such as Tinder eradicate the usual boundaries for synchronous communion. All in all, this trend has implications for social behavior, resulting in more time on the screen and less traditional conversation even when individuals are cooperating in the same location. The issue here is binge-watching as a consequence: how bad can it be? Although this appears to be a by-product of computer technology, it is also a way to escape the frenzy of living on the weekends . The issue arises when entertainment deteriorates sleep due to a lack of rest or napping, a lousy diet due to double pizza ordering, or simply ignoring physical activities. Everything is completely fine in moderation.
Watching a TV series to a reasonable extent may be beneficial and a healthy way to relax from daily troubles. At the same time, overconsumption may provoke undesirable physical and emotional consequences. Therefore, I believe that watching a TV series should be done in moderation, since the modern digital age with its instant consumption of information provokes such phenomena as binge-watching.
Pros of binge watching
We have discussed enough cons of binge watching and the bad effects it has on our behaviour. But what exactly makes this much more fun to consume? That is a good question to ask.
Frees up mind space
Binge watching makes it easy for people to free up their mindspace for other critical tasks. We are often occupied with mundane thoughts about a show that should have vanished from our minds long ago but it stays with us since we are earnestly waiting for the next episode to release. This causes immense distraction for a normal person who loves focusing on their studies.
Gives you more time
While this seems counterintuitive but it is actually true. Binge watching shows actually increases the amount of time you have for other things since you are already way deep in the story, there is no recap needed, no extra time wasted for anything else as well since you will be doing everything faster than before. You will be washing clothes faster now, cooking will be faster hell any other task which requires you to get up from bed will also be completed in a much shorter time frame. But yes if it starts affecting your daily life it will soon become an issue.
