Binge-Watching: Signs You Have A TV Addiction And

How To Cure It
POOJA MAHESHWARY

[1] If you’ve subscribed to any streaming entertainment services, chances are (it is
likely that) you must have indulged in binge-watching at least once. Binge-watching
refers to watching many or all episodes of a television show in a single sitting (during
one period of time without stopping). With the rise of OTT platforms in recent years,
and the tendency to release entire TV series or seasons at one go (all at the same time)
without the interruption of advertisements, binge-watching has become the ‘new
normal’.

[2] While this may be glorious for TV fans, it’s a little worrisome to health experts
everywhere. With your favourite content being available at the click of a button, and
the increase in screen time becoming normal—replacing the hours generally devoted
to (reserved for) fitness, self-care, socialising, working and sleeping—the potential
health risks of binge-watching (2) cannot be ignored.

[3] So, we reached out to Dr A.D. Goyal, MD Psychiatry and Sr. Consultant at
HopeQure.com, to share his expert inputs on how binge-watching impacts our health

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and life, the symptoms to watch out for, and how to overcome TV addiction. Scroll
down to read all that he had to say!

[4] What Is Binge-Watching?

Binge-watching is an emerging (rising) type of ‘behavioural addiction’ according to
mental health experts. Research in 2019 revealed that more than 7% of men spend
around five to seven hours on video-streaming platforms while 2% of men spend 10
hours binge-watching. The same study revealed that the number is only slightly lower
for women. Young adults (those between the age of 18 and 29 years) are found to be
more addicted than the rest of the population.

[5] An American study in the year 2016 revealed that around 70% of respondents
watch around 5 episodes in one sitting while 35% of youngsters reported binge-
watching during the weekends. There were respondents who binge-watch every day.

[6] Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, a significant increase of 27% in time spent on media
consumption was seen worldwide. Video-streaming platforms or OTT platforms (3) are
running a rat race (to be caught up in a competitive struggle) to hack our time. Netflix,
Amazon Prime, Hotstar, Sony Liv, Zee5, Voot, Eros Now, ALT Balaji, MX Player, etc. have
become quite popular among the youth.

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[7] Signs You Have A TV Addiction
Watch out for the following signs for addiction:
 Pre-occupied (keep thinking about the same thing) mind: A continuous rush of
curious thoughts of ‘what will happen next’ that leads to a compulsive act of
binge-watching.
 Irresistible urge: “Just one more episode” is common negotiation; it reflects the
inability to (the state of being unable to do something) control binge-watching
even if you genuinely wish to.
 Inability to sleep: The routine of watching shows late at night, losing sleep, and
being wide awake.
 Streaming everywhere: Watching shows while travelling, in restrooms, while
working, cooking or even while driving.

[8] Impact Of Binge-Watching

 Interpersonal issues: Constant complaints and even arguments with parents or
spouse, usually regarding the time spent on OTT platforms.
 Hampered productivity: Procrastination, affected to-do lists, pushing deadlines,
poor work or academic performance.
 Sleepless nights: Recurrent sleepless nights to complete an episode or a series.
 Increased anger or hostility due to the content of the series and other
psychological issues.

[9] How To Treat TV Addiction

1. Individual or group counselling sessions
Counselling sessions are quite helpful to overcome addictions. Addictions are complex

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but treatable, however, it is important to take regular sessions.

[10] 2. Understand that there’s an issue

Jot down the number of hours you are spending on OTT platforms. Count the number
of times you got into arguments because of binge-watching shows. And the number
of times you pushed your work for ‘just one more episode’.

[11] 3. Find a healthy replacement

Think about what you could be doing instead of binge-watching. You may engage in
some form of constructive activity, skill-building or even self-care activities. Going back
to your childhood hobby, writing or maintaining a journal, meditating, reading books
or novels, and spending time with your family are some handy replacements.

[12] 4. Declutter
Just like for any other addiction, it is recommended to follow the ‘out of sight, out of
mind’ principle. Start with uninstalling applications that are consuming your time. You
may also unsubscribe to them.

[13] 5. Episode reward

You may plan your day according to important tasks and urgent tasks you need to take
care of. Once done with those, you can reward yourself with a new episode of your
favourite show. This will keep you motivated and ensure that you prioritise your
activities.

[14] One must understand that no single treatment can work for everyone. Connecting
with a mental health expert can help you overcome this addiction.

[15] What’s your biggest concern when it comes monitoring your screen time? Please
share it with us in the comments below.

(Source: https://www.missmalini.com/2021/01/06/binge-watching-signs-you-have-a-
tv-addiction-and-how-to-cure-it/)