If you are a user of content streaming platforms, such as
Netflix or HBO, you will have thought many times to watch “just one more
episode,” and always end up being 6 or 7. But, did you know that this phenomenon
is not unique, and is called binge-watching?
What is
binge-watching?
With the use of new technologies, the practice of adopting
Anglo-Saxon terms in our vocabulary has been standardized. And that is what
happens with binge-watching. You may not know what this word refers to, but
what if we talk about binging on series?
This term, in itself, is not new. It began to be used in the
90s due to the sale of entire seasons of series by packages, something that
made users consume them consecutively instead of waiting for the next episode.
Binge means excessive indulgence, so binge-watching means bingeing on
audiovisual content.
Binge-watching and
Netflix
When we talk about binging on series, it’s impossible not to
think about Netflix, because we all have. But is binge-watching good for us?
The truth is that, although Netflix works by favoring
binge-watching, since one of its main characteristics is that it uploads the
entire seasons of its series, the truth is that it avoids this term. You won’t
find it on any of their marketing materials Why?
Well, very easy, because it is a behavior that can generate
addiction, yes, addiction to series. This is because the fact of shutting
yourself up at home and doing series marathons generates a comfort and a
feeling of isolation and security. Have you ever had a bad day and spent hours
watching series? There you have it! It is due to this negative connotation that
Netflix does not agree with the term, although they affirm that its great
success resides in this new way of consuming television.
Characteristics of
binge-watching
Today this new way of consuming content is being studied due
to all that it entails. Thus, according to Variety, the most widely used device
for binge-watching is the television, with the laptop behind. This is because
when we start doing “Netflix & Chill” we do it well, comfortable
on the sofa or in bed resting.
Another of the most important data is that the type of
series influences the probability of binge-watching. If the user is going to
spend a lot of time watching a series, it has to be good and have a continuous
story or really good independent episodes. And for sample, examples such as The
Sopranos, The Wire, Game of Thrones or Black Mirror.
And what about age? Studies determine that the majority of
the percentage of users who perform series marathons are between 18 and 30
years old. That is, millennials are more likely to binge-watch. No wonder,
right?
Should we continue to
binge on series?
Well, determining if binge-watching is good or bad is
complicated, let’s say it’s not something that is black or white. Initially,
doing series marathons is not a bad thing, as long as it is done in a moderate
way. If they release the new season of Game of Thrones and you see it in two
days but you continue with your life, you don’t have to worry.
It is at the moment when we become obsessed with a series or
being at home locked up just watching Netflix without having contact with the
outside when you should start worrying about a possible addiction to the series,
just like what happens with smartphone addiction or to technology.
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