Binge-Watching Is Unhealthy: This Research Used 3-D Models To Explain How

The world is facing a global pandemic which requires us to stay indoors as much as possible. In such unprecedented times, digital streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ Hotstar, etc., provide an easy way to pass time when there is nothing much to do. Be it to pass time or distract ourselves, or to ease our stress, many of us have taken to binge-watching OTT content during the lockdown. But is this a healthy practice? How can constantly sitting in front of a digital screen affect our health?

Besides, it isn't just during the pandemic that most of us have taken to binge-watching, is it? Whenever a new season or a show drops on any OTT platform, we make our weekend or evening plans around consuming those shows, that too in one go!

Netflix currently has a total of 182 million subscribers, globally. It added 15.77 million paid streaming customers in the first quarter of 2020, according to news reports.

Models By Onlinegambling.com

Researches are now using sculptures to show the ill effects over-time of binge-watching Netflix for hours on a day-to-day basis, and the picture is not at all flattering. These three-dimensional figures of a man, Eric, and a woman, Hannah show how binge-watching may affect our body in the near future if we don’t rectify their habits. While the research commissioned by OnlineGambling.com targets Netflix, the effects of compulsive viewing of digital content would be the same, no matter what platform you are using to consume your content. Perhaps it is time we questioned our viewing habits.

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Harmful Effects on ‘Bingers’ 

The researchers claim that binge-watching causes gluteal amnesia (dead butt syndrome), bad mood, the threat of amputation of limbs caused by diabetes, obesity, poor posture along with rounded shoulders. It also causes pale skin, premature aging, obesity, and bloodshot eyes with dark patches. These are signs that are seen across both genders. Adoption of a sedentary lifestyle, lack of proper exercise and unbalanced diet during lockdown makes it worse.

However, this isn't the only research that has pointed at the alarming health consequences of binge-watching. According to a 2017 study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, poor sleep quality, increased fatigue and rise in symptoms of insomnia can be some of the consequences of binge-watching.

Stay at home doesn't mean binge-watch

It has been three months since most of us took to staying at home to stay safe from the pandemic. Yes, the adjustment to this new lifestyle can take a toll on our over-all well-being. But how long can we go on like this?

Binge-watching can be something one does on a weekend, or occasionally, but it cannot be a lifestyle.

Most of us are unlikely to step outdoors for work or regular exercise unless there is a vaccine for coronavirus insight. So does that mean we continue to ignore our health, and resort to binge-watching shows to distract ourselves from the problem? Won't such a lifestyle affect our bodies if it continues for three, of six more months, or a full year?

Binge-watching can be something one does on a weekend, or occasionally, but it cannot be a lifestyle. While the end to staying at home is not in sight, it is high time we turned our focus to staying healthy within these limitations.

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BhavyaGupta is an intern with SheThePeople.TV.  The views expressed are the author's own.