Why do we love and hate to binge watch shows on Netflix?
We love to binge watch because it’s a full escape from our world into another world. A more exciting world. A more interesting world. A world where we don’t have to take any responsibility, any action, or any role except to sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.
We hate to binge watch because it’s a full escape from our world in another world. A more exciting world. A more interesting world. A world where we don’t have to any responsibility, any action, or any role except to sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.
In other words, the reasons we love to binge shows on Netflix while we are watching, are the same reasons we hate ourselves afterwards for wasting so much time. If you have goals, you’re not working toward them while you watch. Yet, the vague sense of accomplishment, as you tick off episode after episode, pulls you in, and indeed gives you a small hit of dopamine. Your brain’s reward system has been hijacked by the techno-wizards—again.
There is a time and a place for Netflix. But maybe next time get outside. Or in my own self-interest, read a book. After all you, your LifeFlix is ticking away everyday too, and without a rewind option.