Turn on the screen, turn off the loneliness - analysis of risk factors for binge-watching among Polish medical and non-medical students. A web-based cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the risk factors for binge-watching (BW) among Polish medical and non-medical students. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A STROBE-compliant cross-sectional observational study, was carried out in Poland from July 2022 - March 2023. The web-based survey consisted of a personal questionnaire, a Binge-Watching Behaviour Questionnaire, a Scale of Motivation for Watching TV Series, a shortened version of the Ryff Well-Being Scale, and the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale. Inclusion criteria were being a student and providing informed consent to participate. The study involved 726 respondents (70.5% female) with an average age of 22.41 (SD=3.89), including 308 (44%) medical students. RESULTS: In the group of Polish medical students, the regression model was well-fitted F(10,287)=30.189; p<0.001, R2=0.496, and the risk factors were escape motivation (ß=0.416; p<0.001), psychological well-being (ß=-0.165; p=0.003), emotional loneliness (ß=0.152; p=0.014), and social loneliness (ß=-0.118; p=0.031). Among Polish students of other majors, the regression model was well-fitted F(10,378)=46.188; p<0.001, R2=0.538, and the influence of escape motivation (ß=0.456; p<0.001), entertainment motivation (ß=0.258; p<0.001), the psychological well-being of students (ß=-0.134; p=0.004), and emotional loneliness (ß=0.111; p=0.032) was demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: Students are in a high-risk group for behavioural addiction known as binge-watching. Emotional loneliness, the desire to escape from everyday life problems, and reduced psychological well-being intensified binge-watching in all the studied groups. Entertainment motivation and social loneliness differentiated the groups of Polish medical and non-medical students in terms of BW risk factors.

The effect of personality traits on over-the-top service use and binge-watching.

With the freedom to consume content on preferred devices at any time as long as there is an Internet connection, the growing demand for over-the-top (OTT) services is evident. In conjunction with the rise of OTT services, binge-watching has become a prevalent behavior. In this research, we explore whether personality traits including the Big Five and need for cognition wield an effect on OTT use and binge-watching. We used a large, diverse, population representative sample from South Korea to investigate this topic. Results indicated that openness to experience and need for cognition were positively related to OTT use. Openness to experience, emotional stability, conscientiousness, and need for cognition had a negative association with binge-watching. When the sample was split by OTT frequency, the binge-watching effects were obtained exclusively for daily OTT users. For non-daily OTT users, most of the personality traits did not exert an effect on binge-watching. Implications of the current findings as well as limitations and future research are presented.

Portuguese Version of the Watching TV Series Motives Questionnaire: what does this have to do with Loneliness? A Bidirectional Relationship

The objective of this study was twofold: to validate the Watching TV Series Motives Questionnaire (WTSMQ) for the Portuguese population and to understand its relationship with loneliness. WTSMQ was validated through an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Besides, multi-group CFAs according to gender were conducted having been tested four levels of measurement invariance: configural, metric, scalar, and error variance. Several multiple linear regressions were carried out to estimate the relationship between sociodemographics, series preferences, loneliness and watching TV series motives. Results showed that the Portuguese version of WTSMQ presents good psychometric properties and that configural and metric were achieved, but not scalar and error variance invariance providing some evidence that the WTSMQ operates similarly in males and females. Results also showed that gender, age, TV series preferences, and loneliness contribute to explain different dimensions of Watching TV Series Motives. Also, sociodemographic variables, TV series preferences and WTSMQ subscales explain loneliness. The relationship between the motives for binge-watching and loneliness is bidirectional; sociodemographic variables and series preferences that explain those motives and loneliness overlap. Implications for tracking problematic Binge-watching situations are discussed. (AU)

Binge-watching Uncovered: Examining the interplay of perceived usefulness, habit, and regret in continuous viewing.

Binge-watching has become one of the most popular ways for people to spend their free time. Binge-watching refers to watching more than two episodes of a television show in a single sitting. This pattern of behavior can be seen in people of a wide range of ages, but it is particularly widespread among people of millennial age and younger. In this study, we propose a model that explains binge-watching engagement by theorizing and testing the association of social influence on perceived usefulness, regret on the continuous intention of binge-watching, and habit on continuous intention and binge-watching engagement. The authors evaluated the model using data collected from 225 respondents. The results supported the proposed hypotheses and confirmed that regret does not neutralize the positive - and strong - effect of perceived usefulness and habit on binge-watching.

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

As behavioral addictions (BAs) significantly affect well-being, paying attention to the characteristics associated with their onset is relevant. Current studies suggest that BAs should be addressed from an adaptive-maladaptive continuum perspective to define what and how some behaviors became problematic. The multi-faceted nature of behaviors attributed to possible BA involves psychological and individual backgrounds (e.g., attachment style). Given its role in affecting personality processes, social development, and motivational drives, the attachment style would be involved in addiction-like behaviors from adolescence, defined as a critical period for BA onset. This study analyzed the association between the attachment dimensions and two possible BAs that can be included in an adaptive-maladaptive continuum (i.e., social network use and TV series watching). A sample consisting of 493 late adolescents/emerging adults (age range: 18-24) completed questionnaires assessing social network use, TV series watching, and attachment style. The results showed a positive association between problematic attachment styles and BAs. High worry and need for relationships (anxious attachment) would be risk factors for problematic social network use and relationships as secondary (avoidant attachment) would be a risk factor for problematic TV series watching. These findings suggest the importance of further analyzing the role of attachment styles and their dimensions in influencing behavioral expression early to prevent the occurrence of BA.

Online Binge-Watching Among Chinese College Students: Implications for Loneliness, Anxiety, and Depression.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate binge-watching behavior and addiction among a sample of 446 Chinese college students and assess its consequences for mental health, with a particular focus on feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Participants and Methods: We conducted an online survey to gather data, examining participants' binge-watching habits and preferred platforms. We also utilized regression analysis to assess the impact of binge-watching addiction on mental health, exploring the associations between binge-watching addiction and feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Results: Our findings revealed that the Chinese college students in our study typically defined binge-watching sessions as lasting approximately 7.22 hours, with an average of 10.83 episodes. Regarding the self-assessment of binge-watching, the average duration of participants was 5.76 hours, and the average number of episodes was 7.42. Tencent Video, iQIYI, and Bilibili emerged as the dominant platforms for binge-watching among the respondents. Regression analysis demonstrated a significant link between binge-watching addiction and mental health, with positive associations observed between binge-watching addiction and increased feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Conclusion: The results of this study reinforce previous findings regarding the detrimental effects of excessive media consumption on mental well-being. Moreover, they provide valuable insights into the global prevalence of binge-watching and its impact on the psychological health of young adults in the digital age, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to address this issue.

Distortions in time perception related to videogames, pornography, and TV series exposure: An experimental study in three independent samples.

Background and aims: Time perception is a cognitive process involving both the ability to estimate the duration of an event (time estimation, TE) and the subjective perception of its passage (time passage, TP). Studies show that alteration in TE/TP is associated with substance use disorders. However, little is known about the impact of these alterations in potentially problematic online behaviors. We explore TE and TP while participants were exposed to cues related to videogames, pornography, and TV series, and the relationship of TE and TP with scores from instruments that measure problematic gaming (PG), problematic pornography use (PPU), and problematic binge-watching (BW). Methods: Participants from three independent samples (40 men from Luxembourg; 99 Spanish men, 111 Spanish women) completed an experimental task designed to assess TE and TP while they were exposed to short clips related to videogames, pornography, TV series, and documentaries (control condition). Participants also completed different self-reports. Results: Whereas men underestimated the time that they were exposed to pornography and TV series, women overestimated it. For videogames, we showed a consistent pattern of overestimation of time duration. Time was systematically perceived as passing faster while participants were presented with TV series and pornography. Regarding the association between time perception and PG, PPU, and BW, TE did not correlate with any of the indicators of problematic engagement assessed; but TP correlated with several of these indicators. Discussion and conclusions: The present preliminary results showed mixed evidence regarding the involvement of time perception in gaming, pornography use, and binge-watching.

I feel addicted to watching TV series: association between binge-watching and mental health.

Background: Binge-watching (BW) is the consecutive viewing of three or more episodes of the same series in one sitting. Although some negative effects on mental health were evidenced, the continuum of BW from leisure activity to problematic behavior is still unclear. This study aimed to analyze mental health (depression, trait anxiety, social anxiety, impulsivity, alexithymia) of people involved in different expressions of BW. Methods: A cross-sectional survey collected data from 482 respondents. According to a validated BW questionnaire, participants were divided into Problematic BW, Moderate BW, Non-BW, and No-viewer, and differences between groups were tested on psychological dimensions assessed via standardized questionnaires evaluating: trait and social anxiety, depression, impulsivity, and emotional dysregulation. Results: An association between problematic BW and worse mental health conditions was evidenced, and a positive effect of non-problematic BW was supported. A negative linear trend from the BW as a leisure activity to problematic BW was marked, indicating how a possible maladaptive behavior orientation of BW in specific mental health conditions could be figured out as a behavioral addiction.

Thinking beyond cut-off scores in the assessment of potentially addictive behaviors: A brief illustration in the context of binge-watching.

While applying a diagnostic approach (i.e., comparing "clinical" cases with "healthy" controls) is part of our methodological habits as researchers and clinicians, this approach has been particularly criticized in the behavioral addictions research field, in which a lot of studies are conducted on "emerging" conditions. Here we exemplify the pitfalls of using a cut-off-based approach in the context of binge-watching (i.e., watching multiple episodes of series back-to-back) by demonstrating that no reliable cut-off scores could be determined with a widely used assessment instrument measuring binge-watching.

Parents Rate Problematic Video Streaming in Adolescents: Conceptualization and External Assessment of a New Clinical Phenomenon Based on the ICD-11 Criteria of Gaming Disorder.

In recent years, video streaming (VS) increased substantially. Adolescents are at significant risk of presenting problematic VS patterns associated with a spectrum of mental-health difficulties. Because VS platforms rely on similar mechanisms as digital games, the ICD-11 criteria for Gaming Disorder (GD) have been successfully implemented to measure Streaming Disorder (StrD) in adolescents. For proper diagnoses, external rating scales are urgently required in addition to self-reports. The Streaming Disorder Scale for Parents (STREDIS-P) was created and validated in a representative sample of n = 891 adolescent-parent dyads. Mental health problems were assessed with standardized instruments. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to examine the underlying factor structure. Cutoff scores were determined using ROC analysis. Accordance between parental and adolescents' self-ratings was calculated. Consistent with the results of previous validation studies for screening instruments assessing similar phenomena based on ICD-11-GD criteria, two factors, cognitive-behavioral symptoms and negative consequences, were confirmed. STREDIS-P demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency, criterion validity, and discriminatory power. Accordance with adolescents' self-ratings was moderate. STREDIS-P is the first screening tool for assessing StrD in adolescents by parental ratings. It is highly relevant for conceptualizing a new phenomenon in clinical routine and academic research.

Pre-sleep arousal induced by suspenseful series and cliffhangers have only minor effects on sleep: A sleep laboratory study.

Pre-sleep arousal impairs sleep. Therefore, watching suspenseful TV series before sleep is not recommended as they increase arousal. In particular, the consumption of multiple episodes of the same suspenseful TV series in one sitting - termed binge-watching - could lead to large increases in physiological arousal delaying sleep onset. Furthermore, abrupt endings during critical scenes - termed cliffhangers - result in unfinished story lines, which further increase cognitive arousal and could negatively impact sleep architecture and the number of awakenings. However, the effects of binge-watching and cliffhangers on objective sleep parameters are still unknown. Here we tested in a controlled sleep-laboratory setting whether pre-sleep arousal induced by watching 3-4 episodes of a suspenseful TV series has negative effects on sleep in 50 healthy young participants (39 females, mean age = 22.62 ± 2.60 (SD)). Watching a neutral TV series served as a control condition, according to a within-subject design. In one group of participants, the suspenseful TV series ended with a cliffhanger. In the other group, the same TV series ended where no ongoing action was interrupted. Pre-sleep arousal was measured both subjectively with the self-reported level of stress and objectively with the mean heart rate and cortisol level. As expected, suspenseful TV series induced higher cognitive and physiological pre-sleep arousal than neutral control TV series, with highest values for TV series with cliffhangers. In spite of the high pre-sleep arousal, participants fell asleep faster after watching the suspenseful compared with the neutral TV series (F(1,48) = 4.89, p = 0.032, η2 = 0.09). Sleep architecture and the number of awakenings remained unaffected. However, in the first two sleep cycles, heart rate was still higher after watching suspenseful TV series (F(1,48) = 6.76, p = 0.012, η2 = 0.12). And only after cliffhangers, objective sleep quality - measured as the ratio between slow-wave and beta activity during sleep - was lower than in the other conditions (interaction effect, F(1,48) = 5.05, p = 0.029, η2 = 0.10). Our results speak against large impairments of pre-sleep watching of multiple episodes of suspenseful TV series and cliffhangers on sleep quality and architecture. However, unfinished narratives might induce more subtle changes in oscillatory power during sleep, possibly reflecting ongoing cognitive processing during sleep.

Personality and Behavioral Inhibition/Activation Systems in Behavioral Addiction: Analysis of Binge-Watching.

Binge-watching (BW) refers to a pattern of watching TV series characterized by the consecutive viewing of three or more episodes in one sitting. Although there is some evidence about its effects on mental health, little is known about predictive variables which may affect negative occurrences of BW, such as problematic and addictive behavior. This study aimed to assess the unique contribution of personality traits (i.e., neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, openness, and conscientiousness) to binge-watching, while also considering the role of two motivational systems: the behavioral inhibition system and the behavioral activation system. Cross-sectional data from 790 respondents were collected using standardized questionnaires evaluating: BW, personality traits, and the behavioral inhibition/activation system. The possible predictive roles of these variables were tested via hierarchical linear regression models. Our results underline a predictive high-risk role of neuroticism and the behavioral inhibition system and a protective role of conscientiousness in the continuum of BW from a leisure activity to a problematic one.

Exploring experiences of binge-watching and perceived addictiveness among binge-watchers: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Recent advances in technology and the Internet have led to the emergence of a phenomenon known as binge-watching. This qualitative study aims to explore experiences and perceptions of binge-watching behavior. The criteria of behavioral addiction were used to examine the characteristics of binge-watching behavior. METHODS: We recruited 25 self-identified binge-watchers in Taiwan and conducted seven focus-group interviews with them in 2019 and 2020. Before their interview, the participants were asked to complete a brief questionnaire to collect information on their sociodemographic characteristics and binge-watching frequency. RESULTS: The participants defined binge-watching behavior as consecutively watching episodes of shows with continuous content, rather than based on the time spent watching or the number of episodes watched. While they felt it may affect their daily routine, they mentioned almost no impacts on their health. Most participants emphasized the pleasure and social functions of binge-watching. This differs from previous studies, which have suggested an association between binge-watching and negative emotions. Notably, while most participants considered binge-watching to be an addictive behavior, they denied that they themselves were addicted. CONCLUSIONS: Our participants generally reported positive attitudes toward binge-watching. The addictiveness of binge-watching remains controversial. Further studies exploring the possibility of addictive binge-watching and potential mechanisms are warranted.

Negative Affect and Problematic Binge-Watching: The Mediating Role of Unconstructive Ruminative Thinking Style.

The practice of binge-watching (i.e., watching multiple episodes of TV series in one session) has become increasingly prevalent, but comprehending its nature and potential underlying factors has been challenging. In particular, problematic binge-watching remains ill-defined and conceptualized, being regarded either as an addictive behaviour or a maladaptive emotion regulation strategy. Following a process-based approach, in the current study we explored the latter conceptualization, by investigating the potential mediating role of an unconstructive ruminative thinking style between negative affect and problematic binge-watching. To this end, TV series viewers completed an online survey assessing socio-demographic variables, TV series viewing habits, binge-watching motives and engagement, ruminative thinking styles and affect. Based on their answers, participants were allocated to one of the following three groups: non-binge-watchers (n = 59), trouble-free binge-watchers (n = 85), or problematic binge-watchers (n = 162). Group comparisons and mediation analyses were conducted to explore the underlying role of unconstructive rumination in problematic binge-watching. Results showed that, apart from the pattern of TV series watching, trouble-free binge-watchers shared little to no similarity with problematic binge-watchers, therefore supporting the need to differentiate these two behaviours. Moreover, mediation analyses revealed that an unconstructive ruminative thinking style partially mediated the relationship between negative affect and coping/escapism and that it fully accounted for the relationship between negative affect and binge-watching derived positive emotions in problematic binge-watchers. These findings thus add to the notion that problematic binge-watching might serve as a way to bolster a maladaptive emotion regulation strategy, implying that unconstructive rumination acts as a mediating process in this context.

Factor structure, reliability and criterion-related validity of the English version of the Problematic Series Watching Scale.

BACKGROUND: Psychological research in the past decade has investigated the psychosocial implications of problematic use of on-demand online video streaming services, particularly series watching. Yet, a psychometric measure of problematic series watching in English is not available. AIMS: The present study aimed to test the factor structure, reliability and criterion-related validity of the English version of the Problematic Series Watching Scale, a six-item self-report assessing problematic series watching, based on the biopsychosocial components model of addiction. METHOD: Participants were recruited from two UK university student samples. Study 1 (n = 333) comprised confirmatory factor analysis, reliability tests and item response theory analyses to test the original unidimensional model and investigate each item's levels of discrimination and information. Study 2 (n = 209) comprised correlation analyses to test the criterion-related validity of the scale. RESULTS: There was a good fit of the theoretical model of the scale to the data (Comparative Fit Index = 0.998, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.024 [90% CI 0.000-0.093], Standardised Root Mean square Residual = 0.048), satisfactory reliability (ω = 0.79) and item levels of discrimination and information. The scale positively correlated with time spent watching series (rs = 0.26, P < 0.001) and negative affect (rs = 0.43, P < 0.001), and correlated negatively with positive affect (rs = -0.12, P > 0.05), mental well-being (rs = -0.25, P < 0.001) and sleep quality (rs = -0.14, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Results are discussed in relation to the ongoing debate on binge watching and series watching in the context of positive reinforcement versus problematic behaviour.

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

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.

Applying ICD-11 criteria of Gaming Disorder to identify problematic video streaming in adolescents: Conceptualization of a new clinical phenomenon.

Background and aims: Internet video streaming (VS) has become a popular leisure activity among the majority of adolescents, especially under the COVID-19 pandemic. Research on binge watching patterns in adults suggests an addictive potential of VS. To date, no unified conceptualization on problematic VS and no standardized assessment tools for adolescents exist even though they might be especially vulnerable. Methods: STREDIS-A is based on the ICD-11 criteria of gaming disorder. It was validated in a representative sample of 959 dyads of 10- to 17-year old adolescents with frequent VS and a respective parent using standardized questionnaires on Internet addiction, depressive and anxiety symptoms, insomnia, loneliness, and academic performance in an online survey. Item structure was investigated by factorial analyses. Cutoffs were estimated and latent profile analysis was performed. Results: The two-factorial structure of STREDIS-A describes cognitive-behavioral symptoms and negative consequences of VS. Internal consistency and criterion validity were good to excellent. It could excellently discriminate between affected and non-affected adolescents. Discussion and conclusions: The present study makes a significant contribution to the conceptualization of a new phenomenon. It provides the very first tool to assess streaming disorder in adolescents for clinical and research settings. Clinical validation is highly warranted.

The mediating role of binge-watching in the relationship between type D personality and loneliness.

BACKGROUND: Individuals who have certain personality traits may be particularly at risk for developing technological addictions. Binge-watching, which includes watching several episodes of a television series consecutively, is seen as a behavior that is out of control and even addictive. Binge-watching also can isolate the individual socially, or it can be a buffer against the individual's feeling of loneliness. This study was conducted to examine the mediating role of binge-watching in the relationship between type D personality and loneliness. PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE: 570 adults older than 18 years of age who were reached by the convenience sampling method participated in the study. The data were collected with the Type D Personality Scale, UCLA Loneliness Scale, and the Binge-Watching Engagement and Symptoms Questionnaire. RESULTS: As a result of the study, binge-watching mediated the relationship between type D personality and loneliness, and fit values of this model were within the acceptable range. It can be said that individuals with type D personality tend to decrease their loneliness by watching more series. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide a nuanced explanation about how type D personality is associated with loneliness. The results also shed light on effective prevention and intervention strategies to reduce binge-watching. Therapeutic interventions are important especially for individuals with personality traits that cause a feeling of loneliness.

Impulsivity and Difficulties in Emotional Regulation as Predictors of Binge-Watching Behaviours.

Recently, the question about the potentially problematic characteristics of binge-watching behaviours has been raised in the contemporary literature. Binge-watching is a highly popular behaviour that involves watching multiple episodes of TV series in one sitting. Studies show that binge-watching can be both an entertaining, but also a potentially problematic, behaviour. Therefore, this research aimed to answer the question about how impulsivity, difficulties in emotional regulation, and one's motivations around why they want to watch a TV series predict problematic binge-watching among a group of Polish young adults. The research group consisted of 645 participants. The following tools were then used to measure the study variables: the Impulsive Behaviour Scale, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, the Viewing Motivation Scale, and the Questionnaire of Excessive Binge-watching. Furthermore, a regression analysis was performed on the responses to each measure in order to answer our research questions. Our results show that a lack of premeditation, impulse control difficulties, and having an escapist motivation are all significant predictors of problematic binge-watching behaviours. Furthermore, one's motivations around dealing with loneliness, their motivations around how to best spend their free time, as well as their informative and entertaining motivations were also found to be significant predictors of problematic binge-watching behaviours.

Investigating Binge-Watching Adverse Mental Health Outcomes During Covid-19 Pandemic: Moderating Role of Screen Time for Web Series Using Online Streaming.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Watching multiple episodes using streaming services, such as Netflix, Hulu, and Youku, has become widespread in recent years. While much attention has been paid to binge-watching, there is, however, a dearth of research on binge-watching and its adverse psychological effects during the COVID-19 pandemic. To the best of our knowledge, less attention has been paid to understanding the multiple influences of binge-watching on binge-watchers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of the past studies on this topic mainly underscored the individual's motivations for binge-watching. Also, past studies were limited and inconclusive as they mostly espoused only the underpinning adverse effects of binge-watching without looking into the association between binge-watching and screen time for web series through online streaming services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, this study sought to fill this gap by probing the association between binge-watching and psychological aftereffects. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: The study employed a cross-sectional research design vis-à-vis the survey method. A sample of 1089 adult respondents was collected through an online administrated questionnaire. RESULTS: The findings of this study demonstrated that extensive binge-watching is an antecedent of stress, loneliness, insomnia, depression and anxiety. Furthermore, it was found that screen time on binge-watching could intensify these adverse effects of binge-watching. Interestingly, the moderating effect of screen time on binge-watching was found to be insignificant for stress and loneliness. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that binge-watching correlates with psychological and mental health symptoms including stress, loneliness, insomnia, depression and anxiety. Hence, this study suggests that consumption of web series through online streaming services related literacy interventions are imperative to help the audience become critical about online streaming content and its comparison to the real social world.