Addicted to Binge-Watching?
When I have some downtime, there’s nothing better than curling up in my beanbag and settling in with a series that has more than one season. This is a great way to enhance my spare time by diving into a new TV show.
Wait a minute. Does this mean I am addicted to binge-watching?
We are now being told that when we engage in an enjoyable activity like binge-watching, our brain releases dopamine. Our body’s pleasure chemical. The “feeling good” part is because of the chemicals that are being released in my brain. The signals from my brain tell my body to continue doing it because it feels too good to stop. As a result, my brain continues producing dopamine and, in turn, my body feels like it is high on drugs.
Therefore, my addiction to a particular TV show is actually my body’s addiction to dopamine. The same process that individuals experience when high on drugs or any other addiction.
The addiction to binge-watching has similar effects on the body as it does with an addiction to heroin. They say my body is bound to get addicted to anything that helps it release dopamine, irrespective of whether it is drugs, sex, alcohol, or binge-watching.
Wait, why haven’t I become addicted to these other things?
Because now I have so many options for binge-watching, it’s easier than ever to find something that will interest me for multiple hours at a time. Is that it? Whether I want to catch an old classic or try something new, the perfect binge is out there and if I want to I can watch it in its entirety right now.
When I am looking for a new binge-worthy show to start, I ask my family and friends what they are watching. There is never a lack of recommendations. Does that mean they are all addicted as well?
Sometimes I binge eat, binge run, binge dance and binge playing cards. When I go to a party and drink I do not continue to drink the rest of the week nor do I continue to do the other enjoyable things that I participate in. Well, for now, I will have to assume I am not addicted, I just like to binge when I have time.
