The Phenomenon of Binge-Watching Among University Students: Characterization, Driving Factors, and Reported Repercussions
DOI
Abstract
The proliferation of digital streaming platforms has profoundly altered media consumption patterns, particularly among the collegiate population. This article aims to comprehensively explore television binge-watching within this demographic, focusing on its conceptualization, the underlying motivations (gratifications) that drive it, and the self-reported consequences. By synthesizing extant literature, this study provides an integrated perspective on this widespread behavior. Findings indicate that binge-watching is a complex activity fueled by desires for entertainment, emotional escape, and social engagement. Concurrently, it is associated with a range of perceived negative impacts on academic performance, sleep quality, and physical well-being. A nuanced understanding of these dimensions is crucial for educators, parents, and students to effectively navigate the evolving digital media landscape.
Keywords
Downloads
References
1. Blass, E.M., Anderson, D.R., Kirkorian, H.L., Pempek, T.A., Price, I., & Koleini, M.F. (2006). On the road to obesity: Television viewing increases intake of high-density foods. Physiology & Behavior, 88(4), 597-604.
2. Brown, M. (2017). Netflix and millennials: Viewers, not subscribers. Retrieved from http://https://lendedu.com/blog/netflix-millennials-viewers-not-subscribers/
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2016). American time use survey. Retrieved from http://https://www.bls.gov/tus/charts/students.htm
4. Coyne, S.M., Padilla-Walker, L.M., & Howard, E. (2013). Emerging in a digital world: A decade review of media use, effects, and gratifications in emerging adulthood. Emerging Adulthood, 1(3), 125-137.
5. Falchuk, B., Murphy, R., McDermott, D., Britton, C., O’Hare, D.P., Lange, J., et al. (Producers). (2012). American horror story [television series]. Los Angeles, CA: Twentieth Century-Fox Television, Inc.
6. Frey, B.S., Benesch, C., & Stutzer, A. (2007). Does watching TV make us happy? Journal of Economic Psychology, 28(3), 283-313.
7. Hsieh, H.F., & Shannon, S.E. (2005). Three approaches to qualitative content analysis. Qualitative Health Research, 15(9), 1277-1288.
8. Jenner, M. (2016). It this on TVIV? On Netflix, TVIII and binge-watching. New Media and Society, 18(2), 257-273.
9. Kaplan, S. (1995). The restorative benefits of nature: Toward an integrative framework. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 15(3), 169-182.
10. Katz, E., Blumler, J.G., & Gurevitch, M. (1973). Uses and gratifications research. The Public Opinion Quarterly, 37(4), 509-523.
11. Jacobsen, W.C., & Forste, R. (2011). The wired generation: Academic and social outcomes of electronic media use among university students. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 14(5), 275-280.
12. Leppink, E.W., Odlaug, B.L., Lust, K., Christenson, G., & Grant, J.E. (2016). The young and the stressed: Stress, impulse control, and health in college students. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 204(12), 931-938.
13. Matrix, S. (2014). The Netflix effect: Teens, binge watching, and on-demand digital media trends. Jeunesse: Young People, Texts, Cultures, 6(1), 119-138.
14. National Center for Educational Statistics. (2017). Undergraduate enrolment. Retrieved from http://https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator_cha.asp
15. Nelson, M.C., Story, M., Larson, N.I., Neumark-Sztainer, D., & Lytle, L.A. (2008). Emerging adulthood and college-aged youth: an overlooked age for weight-related behavior change. Obesity, 16(10), 2205-2211.
16. Nielsen. (2013a). 'Binging' us the new viewing for over-the-top streamers. Retrieved from http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/news/2013/binging-is-the-new-viewing-for-over-the-top-streamers.html
17. Nielsen. (2013b). Does college play a role in media consumption? Retrieved from http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/news/2013/does-college-play-a-role-in-media-consumption.html
18. Nielsen. (2016a). The digital age: Young adults gravitate toward digital devices. Retrieved from http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/news/2016/the-digital-age-young-adults-gravitate-toward-digital-devices.html
19. Nielsen. (2016b). The Nielsen total audience report: 1st quarter 2016. Retrieved from http://www.nielsen.com/content/dam/corporate/us/en/reports-downloads/2016-reports/total-audience-report-q1-2016.pdf
20. Panda, S., & Pandey, S.C. (2017). Binge watching and college students: Motivations and outcomes. Young Consumers, 18(4), 425-438.
21. Pang, A.S. (2014, February 13). In defense of binge watching. Slate. Retrieved from http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/future_tense/2014/02/is_binge_watching_the_new_season_of_house_of_cards_bad_for_you.html
22. Pierce-Grove, R. (2016). How journalists frame binge watching. First Monday, 22(1).
23. Pittman, M., & Sheehan, K. (2015). Sprinting a media marathon: Uses and gratifications of binge-watching television through Netflix. First Monday, 20(10).
24. Rhimes, S. (Producer). (2005). Grey’s anatomy [television series]. Burbank, CA: ABC Studios.
25. Rubin, A.M. (1983). Television uses and gratifications: The interactions of viewing patterns and motivations. Journal of Broadcasting, 27(1), 37-51.
26. Ruggiero, T.E. (2000). Uses and gratifications theory in the 21st century. Mass Communication & Society, 3(1), 3-37.
27. Schweidel, D.A., & Moe, W.W. (2016). Binge watching and advertising. Journal of Marketing, 80(3), 1-19.
28. Silverman, R.E., & Ryalls, E.D. (2016). “Everything Is Different the Second Time Around” The Stigma of Temporality on Orange Is the New Black. Television & New Media, 17(6), 520-533.
29. Sundar, S.S., & Limperos, A.M. (2013). Uses and grats 2.0: New gratifications for new media. Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, 57(4), 504-525.
30. Sussman, S., & Moran, M.B. (2013). Hidden addiction: Television. Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 2(3), 125-132.
31. Taylor, F.L. (2014). African American students’ perceptions of their preparation for college composition and their actual performance in a college composition course. Journal of Language and Cultural Education, 2(1), 48-59.
32. Tremblay, M.S., Colley, R.C., Saunders, T.J., Healy, G.N., & Owen, N. (2010). Physiological and health implications of a sedentary lifestyle. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 35(6), 725-740.
33. van Manen, M. (1984). Doing phenomenological research and writing: An introduction (Monograph N. 7). Edmonton, AB, Canada: Department of Secondary Education, Faculty of Education, University of Alberta.
34. Walton-Pattison, E., Dombrowski, S.U., & Presseau, J. (2016). “Just one more episode”: Frequency and theoretical correlates of television binge watching. Journal of Health Psychology, 23(12), 1724-1734.
Similar Articles
-
Related research
A Backward-Looking Analysis of Blending Language Instruction for Healthcare Contexts with Entertainment Media to Improve Mental Health Terminology among Learner Nurses
International Journal of Social Sciences, Language and Linguistics Vol. 6 No. 04 (2026): Volume 06 Issue 04Read article -
Related research
Hotel Leaders’ Views on Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Directions
International Journal of Social Sciences, Language and Linguistics Vol. 5 No. 07 (2025): Volume 05 Issue 07Read article -
Related research
PUBLIC SERVICE PROBLEMS IN THE INDONESIAN GOVERNMENT BUREAUCRACY
International Journal of Social Sciences, Language and Linguistics Vol. 5 No. 12 (2025): Volume 05 Issue 12Read article -
Related research
The Role of Healthy Nutrition and Parental Care in Students' Academic Performance and Discipline
International Journal of Social Sciences, Language and Linguistics Vol. 5 No. 11 (2025): Volume 05 Issue 11Read article -
Related research
Human Resource Management Practices and Employee Performance in Private Universities in South-West Nigeria: The Moderating Role of Organizational Culture
International Journal of Social Sciences, Language and Linguistics Vol. 6 No. 03 (2026): Volume 06 Issue 03Read article -
Related research
EXAMINING THE MARKED AND UNMARKED NATURE OF CODE-SWITCHING IN ADVERTISEMENT JINGLES
International Journal of Social Sciences, Language and Linguistics Vol. 5 No. 08 (2025): Volume 05 Issue 08Read article -
Related research
Public Relations and Peace Communication in A Multi-Religious Society: The Interfaith Initiatives in Nigeria
International Journal of Social Sciences, Language and Linguistics Vol. 5 No. 12 (2025): Volume 05 Issue 12Read article -
Related research
Balancing Innovation and Integrity in the Pacific: Exploring the Dual Impact of AI on Tertiary Education in Fiji
International Journal of Social Sciences, Language and Linguistics Vol. 5 No. 09 (2025): Volume 05 Issue 09Read article -
Related research
Strategies for Enhancing Literacy and Numeracy Across Educational Levels in the 21st Century
International Journal of Social Sciences, Language and Linguistics Vol. 5 No. 11 (2025): Volume 05 Issue 11Read article -
Related research
Customer Perception and Customer Satisfaction in The Hospitality Industry in Southwest Nigeria: An Empirical Analysis of Service Quality Dimensions
International Journal of Social Sciences, Language and Linguistics Vol. 6 No. 03 (2026): Volume 06 Issue 03Read article