Binge-Watching and the Theory of Desire: A Lacanian Perspective on Netflix Consumption Patterns

This paper explores the phenomenon of binge-watching on Netflix through the lens of Jacques Lacan’s Theory of Desire. While this behavior is often viewed as a product of convenience or entertainment, it reflects a deeper psychological process rooted in the structure of desire. Lacan’s theory posits that desire is not merely about satisfying needs but is fundamentally tied to the symbolic order and the endless pursuit of the unattainable. This study argues that Netflix’s business model and content strategies are deeply aligned with Lacanian concepts, particularly the notion of desire as an unfulfilled and perpetual pursuit. By continuously providing new content, Netflix sustains and amplifies the viewer’s desire, keeping them engaged in a cycle of consumption that mirrors Lacan’s structure of desire.