Binge-watching TV addiction is officially being treated in the UK for the first time. Binge-watching is marathon viewing of TV shows, which means watching many episodes and movies in one sitting Although it is still a relatively new phenomenon, the rise of streaming services that offer full seasons of TV shows has made binge-watching more prevalent.
Although Netflix began its business as a mail-order DVD rental service, the company's most substantial claim to fame is its streaming service, which was one of the first. When Netflix launched its online component, users suddenly had instant access to an expanding supply of TV shows and movies, allowing users to watch as much content as possible, all in one sitting. Then Netflix began to offer original content on its platform, dropping full seasons of series such as Lilyhammer, Orange is the New Black, House of Cards and Marco Polo. The release of full seasons became popular with viewers, to the point that many complain about other services that still stick to the one episode a week format for new shows.
However, binge-watching has a dark side: addiction. According to The Telegraph, patients are now seeking help from clinics in the UK to break their binge-watching habits. So far, registered psychotherapist Adam Cox has treated three patients at his clinic for binge-watching addiction, marking them the first cases ever treated for the affliction in the UK. Several patients admitted to not being able to stop watching their favorite shows on streaming platforms, leaving them in situations where they were risking their jobs, as well as their relationships with their loved ones. Cox said:
"All three had fallen into a dangerous loop where they felt unable to switch off. They just had to watch the next episode, and the one after that and the one after that. A TV cliffhanger is a reward mechanism - like drink or drugs. It releases dopamine, and that can be an issue for people who have other stresses or anxieties in their life. It causes lack of sleep, which sends productivity through the floor, and stops people forming proper relationships."
In one particular instance, a patient fell into the binge-watching addiction cycle after watching Breaking Bad. He eventually fell into a pattern that had him watching TV shows and movies for seven hours a day. This addiction affected not only his health but also threatened his future at his workplace. Cox treated the patient with counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy. Though The Telegraph reached out to Netflix to comment, the streamer declined; the publication reports "insiders" defended the company's streaming model.
Binge-watching often comes under fire for other reasons, too. Some, such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Firefly creator Joss Whedon, believe that binge-watching makes TV shows "less complete." Others in the industry believe that weekly episodes are more conducive to storytelling, as well as a way to keep viewers more engaged. But it's the addictive nature of binge-watching that is most concerning. For the past several years, psychology experts have warned about its dangers. The good news is that treatment is slowly becoming available to those people who can't stop watching.
Source: The Telegraph