She Strengthens

The Era of Binge-Watching: A Double-Edged Sword

In recent years, the way we consume media has undergone a seismic shift. Gone are the days of eagerly awaiting the next episode of our favorite show; instead, streaming services have taken center stage, releasing entire seasons at once. This new paradigm has spawned a cultural phenomenon, with Twitter discussions and water-cooler chats revolving around the latest must-watch series.

However, this format doesn’t cater to everyone’s needs. For individuals struggling with mental health issues, chronic illnesses, processing difficulties, or sheer exhaustion, keeping up with the relentless pace of streaming platforms can be overwhelming. As someone who loves television but finds it challenging to sit through a 30-minute episode without drifting off, I’m not alone in my struggles.

The Pressure to Keep Up

Mental health first aid instructor and campaigner Sam Barakat faces similar challenges. After experiencing depression, she found it difficult to focus and remember plotlines, making it hard to enjoy watching shows. “I usually pause hour-long shows multiple times to do something else,” she admits. For her, binge-watching is equally, if not more, daunting.

As the streaming market continues to expand, with new platforms emerging, our brains are expected to keep up with the sheer volume of choice. But at what cost? Eric Francisco, an entertainment journalist, feels that this pressure can make TV viewing “tiresome” and worries that the shift to binge-watching creates more problems than it solves.

The Dark Side of Binge-Watching

Francisco notes that TV shows are now written to support streaming and binge-watching, with narratives flowing like chapters in a 10- to 12-hour movie. While this may enhance the binge experience, it can be detrimental to our daily lives. The pressure to keep up is largely societal, driven by the fear of missing out (FOMO) and the desire to participate in online discussions.

The Silver Lining

However, there’s a glimmer of hope. Psychotherapist Helena Lewis suggests that watching TV shows can help build connections and facilitate conversations about mental health. Shows can provide common ground, allowing people to share their feelings and relate to characters and themes. “These factors can be useful ‘openers’ for clients to communicate and share their feelings,” she says.

Moreover, production companies are paying more attention to realistic portrayals of mental health, thanks in part to social media feedback. This shift can help therapists understand how popular culture perceives mental health, ultimately benefiting their clients.

Embracing a New Normal

While we can’t eradicate spoilers or force ourselves to avoid online discussions, we can acknowledge that binge-watching isn’t the only way to enjoy TV. Those of us who struggle to keep up can take comfort in knowing we’re not alone. As Eric Francisco puts it, “I actually miss watching shows weekly… it gives us time to digest, think, discuss with others.”

By recognizing the limitations of the binge-watch model, we can reclaim our time and mental energy. It’s okay to take things at our own pace, avoiding the pressure to sacrifice our well-being for the sake of staying current. As I slowly make my way through Stranger Things season three, I’ll do so on my own terms, free from the burden of FOMO.