Binge-Watching: What Do we Know So Far? A First Systematic Review of the Evidence

Abstract

Purpose of review:Along with the expansion of on-demand viewing technology, the practice of binge-watching (i.e., watching multiple episodes of TV series back-to-back) has recently gained increasing research interest, given its potential harmfulness and presumed addictive characteristics. The present article provides the first systematic review of the evidence regarding this increasingly widespread behavior. Recent findings:The results of this systematic review (including 24 studies and 17,545 participants) show that binge-watching remains an ill-defined construct as no consensus exists on its operationalization and measurement. Although such methodological disparities across studies hinder the comparability of results, the preliminary findings gathered here mainly point to the heterogeneous nature of binge-watching which covers at least two distinct realities, i.e. high but non-harmful engagement and problematic involvement in TV series watching.Summary: In these early stages of research, there is a major need for more consistency and harmonization of constructs and their operationalizations to move forward in the understanding of binge-watching. Just as important, future research should maintain the distinction between high and problematic involvement in binge-watching to avoid overpathologizing this common behavior.

Personality Traits and Motivation as Factors Associated with Symptoms of Problematic Binge-Watching

“…Some studies indicate that binge-watching is gender neutral phenomenon [17,25]. However, systematic reviews concerning the phenomenon of binge-watching show that women were the majority of the participants in most of these studies [14,66]. It can be assumed that binge-watching as a topic of research may be more interesting for women.…”

“…In the following research, binge-watching is defined as watching two or more episodes of a TV show in one sitting. The development of streaming platforms such as Netflix or HBO GO allows the viewers to watch TV shows at their own convenience and without any commercial breaks [13,14]. These factors have altered the patterns of consuming media, and binge-watching has become a popular and common way of spending free time, especially among young adults [15][16][17].…”

Binge-Watching: Development and Validation of the Binge-Watching Addiction Questionnaire

“…Sedentary lifestyles, maladaptive eating behaviors, and some adverse effects on psychological and social well-being appear to be associated with BW, as confirmed by the higher levels of anxiety, depression, and social isolation reported in binge-watchers than in the general population (e.g., [ 23 , 24 ]). Although higher satisfaction in individuals who reported BW behavior was highlighted [ 25 ], some authors consider binge-watching a potentially addictive behavior [ 26 , 27 ]. Although some BW aspects are considered clinically relevant, some characteristics do not fully meet the behavioral addiction criteria.…”

Incentive sensitization in binge behaviors: A mini review on electrophysiological evidence

“…Inconsistencies in diagnostics and operationalizations pose an obstacle to the synthesis of different study results: Binge behaviors are often missing a coherent definition, leading to a broad spectrum of inclusion criteria even within binge behaviors (see e.g. Flayelle et al, 2020 , Kuntsche et al, 2017 ). Likewise, different studies use distinct electrodes and time windows in the investigation of ERPs.…”

“…Given the high prevalence of binge behaviors (drinking: 18.2%, World Health Organization. (2018) (2018), 2018 ; eating: 4.5%, Hudson, Hiripi, Pope, & Kessler, 2007 ; watching: 72%, Flayelle et al, 2020 ; gaming: 1.6% of adolescents, Müller et al, 2015 ; gambling: up to 0.6%, Erbas & Buchner, 2012 ) and its associated impaired quality of life, a better understanding of the various binge behaviors’ genesis and maintenance by more precisely investigating theory-driven mechanisms is crucial.…”