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Can binge-watching TV shows be considered a serious addiction?

Hildred Orniz

Well, as a frequent binge-watcher myself, I would say that there's definitely some truth to the idea that binge-watching TV shows can be a serious addiction. It's so easy to get sucked into a series and watch episode after episode, especially when streaming services like Netflix and Hulu automatically play the next episode for you. Before you know it, you've been watching for hours and haven't moved from the couch!

In some ways, binge-watching can mimic other types of addictions. For example, you might feel a strong pull to keep watching even if you know you have other responsibilities to attend to. You might even neglect self-care activities like sleeping or eating in favor of watching just one more episode. And if you're anything like me, you might experience a sense of withdrawal or restlessness when you go too long without watching your favorite show.

Of course, not everyone who binge-watches TV shows is addicted. For many, it's just a fun way to unwind after a long day or weekend. But for others, it can become a serious problem that interferes with their daily life. That's when you might start to see negative consequences like failing grades, strained relationships, and even physical health problems from sitting too much.

It's important to note, though, that there's no official diagnosis of binge-watching addiction in the way there is for other types of addictions. Some experts believe that binge-watching fits the criteria for behavioral addictions, while others argue that it's just a harmless leisure activity. Ultimately, it probably depends on how much it's interfering with your life and whether you feel in control of your viewing habits.

Personally, I try to be mindful of how much I'm watching and make sure I'm still attending to my other responsibilities and relationships. But I'll admit that there have been times when I've let my binge-watching get out of hand and had to reign it in. So while I don't think binge-watching is inherently bad, I do believe that it's important to be aware of how much time you're spending in front of the screen and whether it's having a negative impact on other areas of your life.