Boundaries on a binge

Explicating the role of intentionality in binge-watching motivations and problematic outcomes

Bibliographic Data

ID7144830
AuthorsEbru Ulusoy (0000-0001-9342-1784, Michigan State University, corresponding author), Ezgi Ulusoy, Dominique S Wirz (0000-0003-2688-8506, University of Amsterdam), Allison Eden (0000-0003-0846-2739, Michigan State University), Morgan E Ellithorpe (0000-0002-0317-9267, University of Delaware)
Year2024
Volume252
Pages104666-104666
Publication date2024-12-17
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueActa Psychologica (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0001-6918 • E-ISSN: 1873-6297
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104666
PMID39693967
OpenAlexW4405436347
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited32

Binge-watching is often studied in research, and discussed in lay writings, under the assumption that it is a maladaptive and problematic behavior. However, as with all media use, there are circumstances in which binge-watching may be functional for an individual. This paper explores the role of intentionality-defined as the extent to which a viewing session was planned and executed as planned-in differentiating problematic from unproblematic binge-watching behavior. We present results from a survey (n = 180) in which the participants randomly were asked to think about a recent viewing session in which they'd either intentionally or unintentionally watched multiple episodes of television in a row. The results suggest that intentional binge-watching sessions are generally associated with positive mood states and satisfaction, while unintentional sessions often lead to negative outcomes such as goal conflict and guilt. Moreover, motivations for binge-watching, such as social interaction and enrichment, were more pronounced in intentional sessions, while unintentional sessions were driven more by situational factors like cliffhangers and curiosity. Intentionality is thus a useful boundary condition for the definition of binge-watching as a problematic vs. non-problematic behavior when studying its antecedents and consequences

Binge drinking · Cognitive psychology · Epistemology · Intentionality · Medical emergency · Poison control · Behavioral Health and Interventions · Human Factors and Ergonomics · Impact of Technology on Adolescents · Media Influence and Health · Medicine · Philosophy · Psychology · Social Psychology

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access