By: The BitMar Team
Binge-watching has become an ubiquitous phenomenon, in the age of streaming, as many of us spend hours – upon hours – glued to our screens. While it may seem like a harmless form of entertainment, there is a science behind our obsession with binge-watching.
According to a study, published in the Journal of Health Psychology, binge-watching can trigger similar neural pathways, in the brain, similarly to drugs, and other addictive substances. This happens, because – when we watch TV shows, or movies – our brains release dopamine: a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, and reward. As we continue watching, our brains crave more dopamine, leading to a cycle of reward-seeking behavior.
What makes it so addictive is not only the neurochemical effects of binge-watching. According to a report, from Deloitte, many people use binge-watching as a form of escapism: a way to disconnect from the stress, and pressures, of everyday life. This is particularly true for young people who are more likely to use TV as a way to cope with stress, and anxiety.
However, the social – and emotional – aspects of binge-watching are also important to consider. According to a study, published in the Journal of Consumer Research, binge-watching can be a way for people to bond with others, over shared interests. This is particularly true for shows that establish a cult following—such, as: Game of Thrones, or Stranger Things. Binge-watching these shows can create a sense of community, and belonging, as people discuss plot twists, and speculate about what will happen next.
Nevertheless, binge-watching can also have negative consequences. According to a study, published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, binge-watching can disrupt sleep patterns, and lead to poor sleep quality. This happens, because the blue light emitted by screens can suppress the production of melatonin: a hormone that helps to regulate sleep. Additionally, binge-watching can lead to a sedentary lifestyle—which is associated with a range of health problems, including: obesity, and heart disease.
With the aforementioned in mind... what can we do to manage our binge-watching habits? According to an article, in the Harvard Business Review, setting boundaries around screen time is key. This could include: limiting binge-watching to certain times of the day, and/or setting a maximum number of episodes to watch in one sitting. It is also important to engage in other forms of self-care—such, as: exercise, socializing, and pursuing hobbies and interests outside of TV.
In conclusion, while binge-watching can be a fun, and enjoyable, form of entertainment, it is important to be aware of the potential risks, and consequences. By understanding the science, and psychology, behind binge-watching, we can make more informed choices about our screen time, and develop healthier habits.
Taking that into account... next-generation streaming platforms, like: BitMar, may provide the most diverse forms of streaming entertainment. 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.