After reading this article, you might want to change your movie-watching habits!
The Dangers of Binge-Watching Movies
Long-running series, especially Korean dramas, can leave you feeling “antsy” as you wait impatiently from the first episode to the last.
As a result, many young people often choose to wait until a series is fully released before binge-watching it all in just… two weekend days. This might sound incredibly relaxing and enjoyable, but after reading this article, you may think twice about your movie-watching habits.
The feeling of binge-watching is quite enjoyable.
Why Are We Willing to “Forget Everything and Just Watch Movies”?
It’s undeniable that the thrill of binge-watching is… delightful. This is one of the reasons many people disregard everything to binge-watch a series that spans dozens of episodes in just a few days.
Moreover, scientists have provided numerous insights into how these long series can easily “immerse” us in the cinematic world. First and foremost, it’s the psychological influence that these films have on viewers.
Viewers often empathize and react similarly to the characters in the films, thanks to mirror neurons in the brain. This leads viewers to become engrossed in the story, empathizing with the characters and being “led by the nose” from beginning to end.
Additionally, other hypotheses proposed by scientists include our brain’s instinct to seek stimulation and entertainment; the discontinuity of episodes released only at certain times during the week; and the buzz surrounding the film that piques viewers’ curiosity.
The “Unimaginable” Dangers of Binge-Watching
Because long series are so captivating, many people can’t resist the temptation and decide to binge-watch multiple episodes to satisfy their “thirst.” However, watching too many movies at once can have unpredictable consequences for health.
Long-running series are incredibly appealing to many people.
To study the impact of excessive movie-watching on viewers’ health, scientists from the University of Texas conducted an online survey with over 300 young adults aged 18 to 29.
The results of this investigation warrant a reconsideration of our movie-watching habits.
Firstly, the research indicated that those who binge-watch tend to feel lonelier and more depressed. According to experts: “In addition to the obsession, hyperactivity, and immersion caused by excessive viewing, viewers can also develop negative emotions, leading to feelings of loneliness and depression.”
Specifically, the participants in the survey reported the number of episodes they watched in one sitting and their frequency of feeling lonely or sad. The results showed that those who binge-watched were often lonelier and more despondent.
Furthermore, the study revealed that these individuals struggle with self-control. Specifically, they find it difficult to “tear themselves away” from watching, even when they are very sleepy or have important tasks to attend to, such as homework or work.
Lastly, while watching movies, we often feel very “bored”, leading us to seek out snacks like popcorn, beef jerky, and chips…
Watching movies often leads to a feeling of “boredom,” prompting you to snack excessively.
However, watching movies is a passive activity, causing you to sit or lie down and “consume” a significant amount of calories.
The inevitable consequence is that the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other health issues will increase. Additionally, binge-watching can become an addictive habit similar to substance use, as it activates the brain’s reward center, making it difficult to break free.
Moreover, sitting for extended periods in front of a TV or computer screen can also impact the brain, leading to headaches, eye strain, insomnia, and hormonal imbalances.
Prolonged screen time can lead to headaches and hormonal imbalances.
Conclusion
Regardless, scientists must acknowledge that watching movies can serve as a means of connecting viewers with friends and those who share similar interests.
However, this is only beneficial if you adopt a suitable way of watching movies that does not negatively impact your health, work, or studies.
