New research indicates that people suffering from loneliness are significantly more likely to develop addictive binge-watching behaviours as a coping mechanism for emotional distress.
A study published in PLOS One by researchers from Huangshan University found that while high consumption is common, addiction specifically correlates with isolation. The research comes as habits formed during the COVID-19 pandemic, which drove many people indoors and onto their couches, persist even as normal daily activities have resumed.
The scientists surveyed 551 adults classified as heavy consumers, defined as those who watch television series for at least 3.5 hours per day and view more than four episodes per week.
Among these respondents, 334 — or 61 per cent — met the criteria for binge-watching addiction. These individuals reported experiencing symptoms including obsession, increases in television consumption, and negative impacts on their daily lives.
Loneliness and addiction
The data showed a significant correlation between loneliness and addiction that was absent in non-addicted heavy viewers. Researchers Xiaofan Yue and Xin Cui suggest that addicts possess specific mindsets distinct from other enthusiastic viewers, driven by “escapism and emotional enhancement” motivations.
Lonely individuals appear to use binge-watching to avoid negative situations while seeking to boost positive emotions, effectively using television for emotion regulation.
However, the authors note that the study could only show an association rather than causation. The research also limited its scope to TV series, excluding other potentially problematic streaming behaviours on platforms such as YouTube or TikTok.
“This study advances our understanding of binge-watching by differentiating between addictive and non-addictive forms, demonstrating that loneliness significantly predicts binge-watching addiction, while escapism and emotional enhancement serve as dual pathways of emotion regulation,” the authors state.
