The Daily Think

Recently started watching the final season of Better Call Saul, and after two episodes of the new season which is compelling as hell, I decided to stop and hold off for a week to watch episodes 3 and 4. It got me thinking, what is the benefit of breaking my binge watching addiction? Well, for one, I got my saturday moving with a sunny day outside my doors away from my Netflix account. But beyond that is there behaviors that can benefit from avoiding the dreaded binge watching?

IS BINGE WATCHING BRAINWASHING? JUDGING BY HOW MANY PEOPLE DID THE WEDNESDAY ADDAMS DANCE…

Binge-watching television shows and media is not necessarily a form of brainwashing. Brainwashing typically refers to a systematic and intentional effort to manipulate and control someone’s thoughts and behavior. While excessive consumption of media can certainly influence our thoughts and beliefs, it is not necessarily a deliberate effort to manipulate us.

However, it is important to recognize that the media we consume can have a significant impact on our attitudes, beliefs, and behavior. Studies have shown that exposure to certain types of media can shape our perceptions of the world, influence our values and beliefs, and affect our mental and emotional well-being.

Additionally, binge-watching can have negative effects on our physical and mental health, including increased sedentary behavior, disrupted sleep patterns, and social isolation.

Therefore, it is important to be mindful of the media we consume and the amount of time we spend watching television shows or other forms of media. It’s important to balance our consumption of media with other activities that promote physical activity, social interaction, and mental stimulation. By doing so, we can ensure that we are not being negatively influenced by the media we consume and are taking care of our overall health and well-being.

There have been several studies conducted on the effects of prolonged exposure to television on both physical and mental health. Here are a few examples:

1. A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association in 2018 found that prolonged television viewing was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death. The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Glasgow in the UK and analyzed data from over 500,000 adults.
2. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2009 found that prolonged television viewing was associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and premature death. The study was conducted by researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health and analyzed data from over 120,000 adults.
3. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine in 2015 found that prolonged television viewing was associated with poorer sleep quality and an increased risk of sleep disorders. The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and analyzed data from over 2,000 adults.
4. A study published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence in 2009 found that prolonged television viewing was associated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety in adolescents. The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and analyzed data from over 4,000 adolescents.

It’s worth noting that while these studies suggest a correlation between prolonged television viewing and negative health outcomes, they do not necessarily prove causation. Additionally, the amount of television viewing that is considered “prolonged” may vary depending on the study.

OKAY ITS BAD WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?

Well I’m not going to tell you to stop enjoying your favorite TV shows and programs, but maybe there is a happy medium that you can find that helps you delay that need for 7-8 hours of Mandalorian. Binge-watching television shows can be a tempting way to pass the time, but it can also lead to unhealthy habits and negative effects on your health and wellbeing. Here are some suggestions to avoid binge-watching TV shows and strategies for watching a television show without binge-watching:

1. Set a time limit: Before you start watching, decide on a time limit for your viewing session. For example, you could watch one or two episodes per day, or limit yourself to a certain number of hours per week.
2. Take breaks: If you do decide to watch multiple episodes in one sitting, be sure to take breaks in between. Get up and move around, stretch, or take a walk outside to refresh your mind and body.
3. Watch with others: Watching television shows with friends or family members can be a fun way to share the experience and can also help you avoid binge-watching. Discussing the episodes and taking breaks to chat can help you stay engaged without feeling the need to watch for hours on end.
4. Plan other activities: Set aside time for other activities you enjoy, such as reading, exercise, or spending time with loved ones. This can help you avoid getting stuck in a binge-watching rut and keep your mind and body active.
5. Choose shows wisely: Instead of starting a new show on a whim, take some time to research and choose shows that align with your interests and values. This can help you avoid getting sucked into a show that you don’t actually enjoy, and may be less likely to lead to binge-watching.

MODERATION

Remember, moderation is key. While it can be tempting to watch episode after episode, it’s important to prioritize your health and wellbeing and engage in other activities as well.

I will be watching my episodes of Better Call Saul for the next few Saturdays and look forward to the next show, but consume media at your leisure, and just remember to take a break. The old Nintendo Wii would ask us to if we should take a break from gaming, maybe we should build in more breaks instead of trying to be so damn efficient!

References:

Tremblay, M. S., et al. (2010). Sedentary behavior and health outcomes: An overview of systematic reviews. PLoS ONE, 8(8), e82922. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082922

Hamer, M., et al. (2013). Television viewing and risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality: A meta-analysis. JAMA, 309(23), 2435-2442. doi: 10.1001/jama.2013.278311

Robinson, T. N. (2001). Television viewing and childhood obesity. Pediatric Clinics of North America, 48(4), 1017-1025. doi: 10.1016/S0031-3955(05)70355-8

Christofides, E., et al. (2016). Cyberbullying and its impact on health: A systematic review of the research evidence. Journal of Adolescent Health, 61(1), 17-40. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2016.03.014