By: The BitMar Team.
Loneliness is a common, and complex, emotion experienced by people of all ages, and backgrounds. It can be caused by various factors—such, as: social isolation, a lack of meaningful relationships, and/or personal circumstances. The COVID-19 lockdowns exacerbated feelings of loneliness, for many people; as social distancing, and quarantine measures, limited in-person social interactions. With, or without, that variable – can streaming movies, and shows, help with loneliness; in general?
Research suggests that streaming movies, and shows, can provide temporary relief from feelings of loneliness. A study, published in The Journal of Applied Social Psychology, found: that participants who watched a favorite movie felt less lonely, and experienced an increase in positive emotions—compared to a control group who did not watch a movie. The study suggests that watching a favorite movie can provide a sense of comfort, and familiarity, that can alleviate loneliness, in the short term.
Furthermore, streaming movies, and shows, can offer a sense of connection to characters, and stories, and provide a virtual sense of companionship. A 2019 survey, conducted by the market research firm: Mintel, found: that 45% of U.S. consumers use streaming services to watch TV shows, and movies, alone; because they enjoy the feeling of being immersed in the content. The survey suggests that streaming can offer a form of entertainment, and escapism, that can alleviate feelings of loneliness.
However, it is important to note that relying solely on streaming, for companionship, can exacerbate feelings of loneliness, in the long term. According to Dr. Jessica Carbino, a sociologist and relationship expert, streaming can provide a temporary solution to loneliness, but it does not replace the benefits of in-person social interaction. "Although streaming services may provide a temporary fix for loneliness, they do not replace the benefits of human touch, intimacy, and social support," she says.
In addition, excessive streaming can lead to social isolation, and a lack of meaningful relationships. This can contribute to more feelings of loneliness, in the long-run. A study, published in The Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, found: that people who excessively use Social Media, and technology, tend to experience more loneliness, and social isolation, than those who use them less frequently. The study suggests: that technology can facilitate social interaction, but it also hinder it—if it is overused, or used as a substitute for in-person interaction.
In conclusion, streaming movies, and shows, can provide temporary relief from feelings of loneliness; by offering a form of entertainment, and a sense of connection to characters, and stories. However, relying solely on streaming, for companionship, can exacerbate feelings of loneliness, in the long term. It is important to prioritize in-person social interaction, and human connection, for an overall well-being. We can always use streaming as a supplement to other forms of social interaction, and support.
Currently, next-generation streaming platforms – like: BitMar – may provide you the most affordable form of on-demand streaming entertainment. BitMar provides all-in-one streaming service, for life, for a one-time payment, of: $99.99 USD. It can connect you to millions of on-demand movies, TV shows, channels, videos, and songs (from many different sources on the Web), on the screens that you already own. In fact, BitMar provides access to more movies, and TV shows, than: Cable, Satellite, Netflix, Disney Plus, Max/HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Peacock, and Hulu – combined – and more songs, than: Pandora, Spotify, Amazon Prime Music, and Apple Music—combined. You may learn more, at: BitMar.com.