Some ways that binge watching TV affects you

Binge watching TV, specifically media streaming platforms such as Netflix, has become a national past time for many. There’s something that’s just so nice about curling up in bed and watching straight consecutive hours of your favourite show at the time. With so many different TV shows and movies available to us at the click of a mouse, as well as with so many quality shows out at the moment, it’s no surprise that we love a good binge watching session.

But there are definitely some ways in which binge watching TV affects you.

Binge watching can be addicting

Binge watching can trigger the release of dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical that is released in your brain when you doing something that is enjoyable. The release of dopamine happens when you take drugs or other similar substances; hence binge watching is like taking a drug. No wonder it’s so addicting.

Binge watching can make you isolated

Watching TV can be fine in doses, and is what most people do after a long day at work as a way to unwind. However, binge watching makes it much easier to disconnect with other humans, and can result in you being quite isolated.

With multiple streaming platforms available to us, and many more shows and movies, it can be easy to get stuck in a loop of isolation.

Binge watching can affect your sleep

Binge watching back-to-back episodes of your favourite show can really take up a lot of time, and it’s easy to lose track of time. This can result in you not realising its 3AM and you’ve been watching TV for hours. This can obviously affect your sleep cycle, and losing sleep can cause a host of issues.

Binge watching is something that nearly everyone enjoys indulging in, however it can affect you in many ways and should be managed appropriately.