Binge-watching, and Suicide: What Are the Correlations?

By: The BitMar Team.



With the rise of streaming services, and on-demand content, binge-watching has become a common pastime, for many people. Nevertheless, could this seemingly harmless activity have more serious consequences? Some studies have suggested that there may be a correlation, between: binge-watching, and suicide.

One study, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, in 2018, found: that binge-watching was associated with increased risk of depression, and suicidal ideation, among young adults. The study surveyed 387 young adults, between the ages, of: 18, and 25; and found that those who binge-watched more frequently were more likely to report symptoms of depression, and suicidal ideation. The study authors suggested that binge-watching could lead to social isolation, poor sleep quality, and neglect of other important activities; which, in turn, could contribute to depression, and suicidal ideation.

However, other studies have produced conflicting results. Another study, published in the Journal of Health Psychology, in 2019, found no significant association, between binge-watching, and suicidal ideation among college students. The study surveyed 546 college students, and found: that – while binge-watching was associated with higher levels of loneliness, and depression – the factors did not appear to increase the risk of suicidal ideation.

One possible explanation, for the mixed results, is: that binge-watching may have different effects, on different populations. For example: young adults who are more prone to depression, or social isolation, may be more vulnerable to the negative effects of binge-watching. Additionally, the context in which binge-watching occurs may also be important. Watching several episodes of a lighthearted sitcom, with friends, may be a different experience than binge-watching a dark, intense drama, alone.

It is also important to note: that correlation does not necessarily imply causation. While binge-watching may be associated with certain risk factors for suicide – such, as: depression, and social isolation – it is unlikely to be a direct cause of suicide. Other factors – such, as: mental health issues, social support, and life stressors – are likely to be more important determinants of suicide risk.

Overall, more research is needed, to fully understand the potential correlation; between binge-watching, and suicide. While some studies suggest that binge-watching may be associated with increased risk of depression, and suicidal ideation, other studies have produced conflicting results. It is important to approach this topic with caution, and recognize that many factors contribute to suicide risk. If you, or someone that you know, is struggling with thoughts of suicide, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional, and/or crisis hotline. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free, and confidential, support—24/7, at: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Next-generation streaming platforms, like: BitMar, are beginning to react to issues of depression—before it may lead to possible suicide. In fact, the Desktop app even has a small section, within its Help section, designed to help people with depression. Since BitMar is an international streaming platform, it urges its depressed users to seek help, from: The World Health Organization.

Officially, BitMar is an all-media-in-one streaming platform; that connects you to millions of full movies, TV shows, channels, videos, and songs (from different worldwide sources on the Web), on the screens that you already own, for a one-time payment, of only: $99.99 USD.

BitMar operates as a content finder, using the same technology behind the Bing search engine. However, unlike most Web search engines, BitMar has been specifically optimized to find you full streaming content, in any language, from anywhere in the World. In fact, BitMar provides access to more movies, and TV shows, than: Cable, Satellite, Netflix, Disney Plus, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu, combined... and more songs than Pandora, Spotify, Amazon Prime Music, and Apple Music, combined. You may use/display BitMar on virtually any device, while it only costs a one-time purchase, of: $99.99 (U.S.D.); for unlimited streaming access. Feel free to learn more, at: BitMar.com.