A Study on the Relationship Between Binge Watching and Loneliness among Youth

Binge-watching can be defined as the act of consuming multiple episodes or an entire season of a television series in a single sitting or over a short period of time. The term "binge-watching" gained popularity with the advent of digital streaming platforms, where viewers have easy access to a vast library of TV shows and can watch them at their convenience. This study aimed to explore the relationship between binge watching and loneliness among youth in Kottayam District, Kerala State of India. A sample of 60 youth having binge watching behaviour aged 18 to 25 was collected using snowball sampling method. The 11-item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale and the Binge-Watching Addiction Questionnaire were used to collect data through an online survey. Results showed that 78.3% of the respondents were moderately lonely, and 58.3% exhibited high binge-watching behaviour. A significant positive correlation (r = 0.304, p < 0.05) was found between binge watching and loneliness, suggesting that excessive binge watching might be associated with increased feelings of loneliness among youth. Gender-based analysis revealed no significant statistical difference in binge watching behaviour (‘p’= 0.561) or loneliness (‘p’ = 0.217) based on gender. Hence, gender did not play a significant role in influencing binge watching or loneliness among the participants. Overall, this study highlights the growing prevalence of binge watching among youth and sheds light on its potential consequences, particularly in terms of loneliness. Understanding these associations can aid policymakers, educators, and mental health practitioners in promoting healthier media consumption habits and supporting youth in maintaining positive social connections. Further research involving diverse age groups and different regions is recommended to gain a more comprehensive understanding of this phenomenon.