Understanding the Binge-watching Phenomenon on Netflix and Its Association with Depression and Loneliness in Egyptian Adults

Abstract

People’s viewing experience has changed dramatically in recent years, with the rise of new viewing behaviours such as binge-watching and binge-racing made possible by the new media era. This study looks at how binge-watching affects several aspects of life (physical and psychological), correlating it to depression and loneliness, to test whether it affects them psychologically in a helpful way or drags them down to worse situations. Between December 2020 and April 2021, 234 participants completed an online survey that included four credible scales: the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, the Watching TV Series Motives Questionnaire, the Binge-watching Engagement and Symptoms Questionnaire and the UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3). Reaching out that most viewers watch alone and plan before entering the binge cycle, but not all of them could succeed in perceiving the impact of binge-watching left on them after ending their binging. The findings revealed that binge-watching is more prevalent among younger age. Additionally, there was a partial positive association between binge-watching and depression and loneliness. Furthermore, some TV viewing motives were positively associated with depression and loneliness.