Binge watching emerged with the new technological changes that appeared through how television is distributed. The way people viewed television changed when multiple on demand streaming platforms was developed such as Netflix, HBO and amazon prime. These platforms created the popularity of binge watching as they freed people from the task of scheduling ( A, Lotz 2017) meaning that people could watch what they want when they want without waiting for a certain time or day ( J.A Starosta and B. Izydorczyk 2020), therefore giving viewers much more freedom with their viewing habits.

There are many different reasons to why Binge-watching has become such a phenomenon, the main reason being that audiences are in control of their viewing habits. They can use binge-watching as a way to relax, pass-time, escape, entertainment and even social interaction ( E.Steiner 2018), it allows audiences to be fully immersed in a show or a set of films for a long period of time. It also allows audiences to binge watch shows they was a fan of before on demand streaming platforms, for example The Big Bang Theory that was broadcasted on CBS in 2007 is now available of HBO and Amazon prime and was on Netflix for a short period of time.

However the word ‘binge’ is normally linked to negative connotations such as ‘binge drinking’ or ‘binge eating’, therefore implying it is not healthy to binge watch. It can be debated that when watching a series for a long period of time in one sitting it can be less enjoyable and memorable, rather than having gaps in between to allow your self to take in and think about the episode you have watched.

References

Amanda D.Lotz ( 2017) Portals: A Treatise on internet-distributed television. University of Michigan Library

Jolanta A. Starosta and Bernadetta Izydorczyk ( 2020) Understanding the Phenomenon of binge-watching. Int.J Environ

Emil Steiner (2018). Binge-Watching motivates change. Sage Journals

Lois Reilly