After surveying 300 young adults, scientists from the University of Texas found that the more you binge-watch, the more depressed and lonely you are. The more depressed you are, the more likely you are to binge-watch. Too much time in front of the telly can cause other real-world problems, too, including issues at work and withdrawing from friends and family.
“It turns out that rationing the amount of time we spend serial-watching a show is just as important as putting the brakes on after-work cocktails before they turn into a serious bender, and checking in with ourselves about our motivations and limits,” writes Salon.com‘s Erin Keane. “Watching TV might not sound as dangerous as a sex or gambling addiction, but the researchers say there’s plenty of evidence to suggest it’s not a harmless habit.” (Salon)