Relationships between problematic binge-watching behavior with psychological and social states

Background: Binge-watching has been associated with various psychiatric and social issues. This study aims to examine the associations between binge-watching behavior and factors such as social inclusion, social interaction anxiety, loneliness, depression, anxiety, and stress among the general population in Türkiye. Methods: A total of 894 participants (498 females and 396 males) from Türkiye participated in this study. Data were collected via a cross-sectional online survey conducted in 2024. The survey included five validated scales: the Binge-Watching Addiction Questionnaire (BWAQ), Social Inclusion Scale (SIS), Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS), UCLA Loneliness Scale, and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Results: The findings revealed significant positive correlations between binge-watching behavior and various psychological and social factors. A greater binge-watching frequency was associated with increased levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as greater social interaction anxiety and loneliness. Additionally, binge-watching was linked to lower social inclusion. Conclusions: The present study suggests that binge-watching is linked to increased depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as increased social interaction anxiety and loneliness. Moreover, individuals who engage in binge-watching tend to experience difficulties in social inclusion. These findings highlight the potential psychological risks associated with excessive media consumption and emphasize the need for further research on media use and mental health.