Binge-watching: Self-care or self-harm? Understanding the health subjectivities of binge-watchers

Abstract

Neoliberalism has given rise to an ideology of healthism, wherein recreational appetitive activities such as binge-watching are stigmatized. Despite this, however, binge-watching remains a widely performed television viewing practice worldwide. Little research has examined the effects that this tension has on binge-watchers’ perceptions and interpretations about their health. Using a discourse analysis of 15 in-depth interviews, this article examines how the health subjectivities of binge-watchers are constituted through a complex prism of healthist discourse rooted in neoliberal rhetoric. Findings suggest that most respondents develop health subjectivities that both challenge and reinforce neoliberal ideology.

Development and Validation of the Compensatory Belief Scale for the Internet Instant Gratification Behavior

“…The IIGB is related to a lack of self-control, and frequent acquisition of internet instant gratification can lead to a tendency to form internet addiction. The prevalence of mobile internet has closely associated internet addiction with smartphone addiction [ 23 , [25] , [26] , [27] ]. Therefore, this study chose internet addiction, smartphone addiction, and self-control scales as criterion measures.…”

“…Furthermore, an unchecked dive into constant instant gratifications might not be synonymous with well-being. More often, it spirals into negative psychological states, characterized by heightened stress, regret, guilt, anxiety, and compromised sleep [ [23] , [24] , [25] , [26] ]. These adverse psychological aftermaths, coupled with the triggering events, serve as harbingers of depressive symptoms [ 27 ].…”