Binge Watching TV is a good stress reliever.

Question

According to procon.org binge watching "releases dopamine in the brain" and even compares binge watching TV to working out at home.

Comments

This is a bit misleading. Yes, watching TV can take our mind off of certain stressors in our lives and release short term dopamine. However, the long-term effects of technology use instead of doing things that are genuinely good for your mind and body are very different. Short-term dopamine may be good for your mental health, but in reality, it causes a lot of other issues. We may waste time on TV instead of doing things like interacting with others, doing homework, working out, going outside, etc. Short term release of dopamine or stress relief is fine, but binge watching television comes with an array of other issues.

Answer 1

After finding an article from Northwestern Medicine, which does agree with some of the cons listed in the original article, I have come to the conclusion that binge watching does provide some instances of stress relief and a temporary escape from anything plaguing our mind. However, many sources, including both the original stated article and the one I provided, have noted that excessive binge watching can actually lead to some health and social issues. Notably, feelings of isolation, struggling to focus on other tasks and relationships, depression/anxiety, and sleep issues all can stem from excessive binge watching. Northwestern Medicine Article

Comments

I appreciate your analysis of the issue in a broader context. Taking the cons into account is valuable, although I would argue that doesn't necessarily prove the initial claim to be misleading.

---

I like how you took into consideration what other sources are saying on this topic because that is something important to recognize when factchecking, especially when in this case, sources are also addressing the opposing sides to this fact. I also like how you linked a source to back up your point and really makes your argument efficient

---

I like how you did all of your own research to come to a conclusion on the original claim. Instead of agree or disagreeing you really added to this forum by creating a counterclaim. You agreed with the original claim, that it. can be a stress reliever however, It can also create unhealthy habits.

---

Firstly I like the source that you chose to use. It seems to be a very useful, informational and reliable source. I like that they give both pros and cons. I would agree with both sides. I would agree that this can bring a form of comfort to some, by binge watching a show that brings them joy.  Although that sensation can bring joy and comfort to many I would also agree to the con that this can bring an unhealthy habit of not being productive, if done too often.

Answer 2

While it is true that according to one of the sources cited(https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/binge-watching-habit-meaning-psychology) in the article that binge-watching is a good way to relieve stress, it may not be effective long term. This is especially true if you are younger as Dr. Gayani DeSilva stated in the cited article that he reward system part of the brain that regulates pleasure and dopamine as you mentioned is still developing. It is also important to note that the original source stated that binge-watching when PAIRED with actual physical exercise may improve overall health.

Comments

I appreciate the you took into account every aspect of the claim, and emphasized that the original source was pairing the claim with physical exercise, as I believe that is an integral piece to the article's claim.
I also like that you used the original article's sources, but I was wondering if you were able to find any outside sources regarding this topic? Thanks!

Answer 3

I believe that the claim that binge-watching TV is a good stress reliever should be considered false. The article claims that “binge-watching releases dopamine in the brain, which creates a feeling of pleasure and can help people to relax and relieve stress.” which may be true, however, it is important to note that the same article also states that the ¹University of Texas finds that binge-watchers are more likely to “be depressed, lonely, and have less self-control.” which are all impacts that connect to low dopamine in the brain, therefore contradicting the prior statement. I also think it is beneficial to consider the other ways that a rise in dopamine can occur, which leads me to the connection of drugs and addiction. Drugs such as Methamphetamine, Cocaine, and LSD all increase the levels of dopamine in the brain and are also used as a method of stress relief, granted they are not beneficial relievers which we can connect to how TV might not be the best stress reliever. In the article the author claims that an excessive amount of binge-watching can result in a digital-addiction, similar to one that would occur with dopamine triggering drugs. When we view binge-watching and drugs in a similar context they provide a lot of similarities, including the fact that they are both short-term solutions to stress. The Britannica article points out that there is also a risk of regret and guilt after binge-watching and we can feel a sense of “mourning” when we are done with a show. ²Dr. Anna Lembke, an expert on addiction writes, “We experience a hike in dopamine in anticipation of doing something as well as when we do the thing itself, which makes us want to continue doing it. As soon as it’s finished, we experience a comedown or dopamine dip.” which is similar to this reaction of mourning that we feel once we have finished our series or episode of binge-watching. Overall, I would consider this claim to be false because the claim that binge-watching is a good stress reliever would be inaccurate, because although sometimes it could be a temporary fix, excessive viewing can exacerbate stress and lead to more damaging results than beneficial ones. 

Sources:

Source 1: 

https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/emotional-health/binge-watching#:~:text=It%20can%20bring%20temporary%20relief,to%20disconnect%20from%20other%20people.

Source 2: https://www.theguardian.com/global/2021/aug/22/how-digital-media-turned-us-all-into-dopamine-addicts-and-what-we-can-do-to-break-the-cycle?utm_source=chatgpt.com