Watching TV series or movies in large quantities can potentially have positive effects, according to scientists
The University of Salzburg has delved into the effects of binge-watching on stress coping, but the results of this study have yet to be published in a specific journal. The research, which involved over 300 students from two universities, aimed to understand the impact of binge-watching on memory and mental engagement.
For the purpose of this study, binge-watching was defined as watching five or more episodes of a TV series in a single session. The threshold was set to explore the association between extended viewing and memory retention, mental engagement, and stress coping.
The study found that participants who binge-watched were more likely to remember and fantasize about the stories they enjoyed or found meaningful. This mental engagement, termed retrospective-imaginative-involvement (RII), can help users counteract negative outcomes, mentally recover, and even flourish.
Interestingly, the memories from binge-watching sessions serve as an ongoing psychological resource. However, it's important to note that the research does not endorse binge-watching as a universal practice. Experiences may vary from person to person, with a person with a 9-to-5 job potentially retaining less detail and deriving fewer psychological benefits compared to students in the study.
The study also highlighted that binge-watching is associated with a higher likelihood of reminiscing about the plot compared to watching the same content across smaller sessions. This is due to the fact that watching a TV show in full or a whole season at once allows users to retain the overall narrative and small events that connect the plot pacing and character arcs.
It's worth noting that binge-watching is one of the leading causes of a sedentary lifestyle. A sedentary lifestyle, including binge-watching, is associated with an increased risk of fatal cardiovascular diseases, as reported by the American Heart Association in their latest report.
On a positive note, a separate study conducted by experts at the University of Georgia suggests that binge-watching can help cope with stress. The study findings indicate that binge-watching can help people recover from real-life stressors by letting them build mental models of the narratives they are seeing in a TV show or film series.
In conclusion, while binge-watching may contribute to a sedentary lifestyle and potentially heart-related diseases, it could also serve as a coping mechanism for stress and a means to build mental models that aid in recovery and mental flourishing. It's essential to find a balance and maintain a healthy lifestyle alongside occasional binge-watching sessions.
Read also:
- Understanding Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis: Key Facts
- Stopping Osteoporosis Treatment: Timeline Considerations
- Tobacco industry's suggested changes on a legislative modification are disregarded by health journalists
- Expanded Community Health Involvement by CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, Maintained Through Consistent Outreach Programs Across Rajasthan
