The Psychology Of Netflix | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

The Psychology Of Netflix

It's the only marathon I'll ever participate in.

459
The Psychology Of Netflix

As a psychology major, I have found that I try to justify habits/actions in my life through different theories. One of my true passions in life is binging on Netflix. Whether I’m racing through all 10 seasons of "Friends" or re-watching "American Horror Story" (for the third time), I feel so much better after a marathon of my favorite shows.

One of the things that I have found about watching Netflix is that it takes you on a journey. Netflix purposely has a smooth flow in that there are no commercial breaks and the next episode starts as the credits for the previous one end. You tell yourself you're only going to watch one episode, but you've finished a season before you realize the time (happens to me all the time!)

A main aspect that goes hand in hand with a break from reality is the complex nature of story lines in the plethora of shows that Netflix offers. We get so emotionally attached to characters (don't deny it), and this is due to a phenomenon called "cognitive empathy." Cognitive empathy refers to the inner connection we have to fictional characters and their story lines. No matter how much the plot and mechanics of a show deviate from reality, we can find a way to latch ourselves to a character, a situation, or an idea.

A study done by Paul Zak, a neuroeconomist, found that cortisol (the stress hormone) and oxytocin (usually referred to as the "cuddle hormone") were very prevalent in subjects' brains after watching a video. The study did not specify which video, but this gives us some insight into what people are thinking during Netflix binges.

Although Netflix marathons may seem impulsive, it really comes down to our brain mechanics. Psychologically speaking, this modern-day couch potato replacement is totally normal. So don't feel bad about finishing all seven episodes of the first season of "Breaking Bad" in one sitting. (According to Netflix, three out of four viewers did too!)


The article "Why We're Wired to Binge-Watch TV" by Jordan Gaines Lewis featured on PsychologyToday.com provided information about the Paul Zak study and the statistic about "Breaking Bad."

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

181753
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

8592
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

453450
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23888
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments