Binge-Watching and Mental Health Problems: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: Binge-watching, the viewing of online videos or streamed content, may be associated with different types of mental health problems. The present study aimed to investigate the associations between binge-watching and five mental health concerns including depression, loneliness, sleep problems, anxiety, and stress. Methods: Academic databases of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, PsycINFO, and Psych Articles were systematically searched through February of 2022. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to assess the methodological quality. A meta-analysis was performed on Fisher’s z values as effect sizes, using a random effect model. Publication bias, small study effect, and moderators in this association were assessed. Results: Binge-watching was significantly associated with the five types of mental health concerns with the most robust correlations found with stress (0.32) and anxiety (0.25). Stronger associations between binge-watching and two types of mental health problems (depression and sleep problems) were found during the COVID-19 pandemic than before the pandemic. Moreover, stronger associations between binge-watching and two types of mental health problems (stress and sleep problems) were found in developing countries than in developed countries. Conclusions: The associations between binge-watching and mental health concerns were significant and positive. Programs and interventions to reduce binge-watching should be considered and tested.

Exploring the association between Twitch use and well-being.

“…Based on previous findings indicating that problematic video gaming (Bányai et al, 2019; Király, Tóth, et al, 2017), social media use (Hussain & Griffiths, 2018; Marino et al, 2020), and binge-watching (Aghababian et al, 2021; Alimoradi et al, 2022) are associated with mental health symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and distress, we investigate the relationship between Twitch use patterns and psychological correlates in Study 2. Another potential correlation could be maladaptive daydreaming, which involves excessive fantasizing, an activity that shares some common features with behavioral addictions (e.g., loss of control; Somer, 2002).…”

Comparing the Motives for Binge-watching between Undergraduate Medical & Non-medical Students of Peshawar, Pakistan

“…[4] Research has shown that binge-watching is signi cantly associated with stress & anxiety. [5,6] Escapism, enrichment, emotional enhancement, and social are the four primary reasons for bingewatching. Escapism is the urge to run away from the real world and everyday challenges.…”

New Addictions in Late Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood: How Attachment Style May Predict Problematic Use of Social Networks and Binge-Watching

“…In contrast, another possible BA, referred to as binge-watching (BW), is characterized by the concept of multiple episodes of TV content in a single session, usually alone, with reduced social interactions during the experience [ 10 ]. Regardless of their features on social interaction, both behaviors affect mental health positively and negatively to different degrees [ 11 , 12 ]. However, from these preliminary definitions, it seems evident that characteristics of interpersonal interactions could differently influence the continuum of each behavior.…”