Introduction Binge-watching is a popular activity among people of all ages. It involves watching a television series or movies for a longer duration. The activity pleasures the viewers as it stimulates the “reward center” or “pleasure pathway” of the brain, which releases certain chemicals. However, excessive binge-watching can lead to internet addiction disorders, which is a growing concern among young people.

Objectives To address this concern, a study was conducted to identify binge-watching behavior and ways to overcome it among undergraduates in professional colleges.

Methodology The study involved 227 participants who were selected through a proportionate stratified simple random sampling technique. A descriptive survey design was adopted to collect data, and the participants were assessed using the “assessing binge-watching behavior—Binge-Watching Engagement and Symptoms Questionnaire” and a self-structured rating scale.

Results The results indicated that the majority of participants (78.9%) were engaged in binge-watching behavior. The highest percentage of binge-watching behavior was noted in the desire category (60.0%), and the lowest percentage was in positive emotions (44.0%). The mean percentages of dependency (57.7%) and loss of control (59%) were almost similar to the mean percentages of desire (60%) and engagement (59.2%). These results reflect the negative effects of binge-watching behavior. Moreover, the study revealed that 51.5% of binge-watchers were in the age group of 20 to 21 years, and 85% of them were female. This finding highlights the need to educate young people, particularly women, about the negative effects of binge-watching behavior.

Conclusion In conclusion, the study emphasizes the need to address the growing trend of binge-watching behavior among young people. The study recommends various strategies to overcome this behavior, such as limiting screen time, engaging in physical activities, and cultivating hobbies and interests.

Article published online:
27 August 2024

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