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Defining new viewing behaviours: What makes and motivates TV binge-watching?
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2018
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Behavioral Decision MakingEmerging MediaIndividuals Binge WatchingCommunicationSeriality StudiesMedia TechnologyJournalismPsychologyMedia StudiesSocial SciencesSocial MediaMedia EffectsCyberpsychologyBinge WatchingMedia PsychologyTelevision StudyBehavioral SciencesCognitive ScienceInteractive TelevisionArtsMotivationDigital VideoTv Binge-watchingBehaviorPopular CommunicationExperimental PsychologyTelevisionTechnological AddictionBehavioral InsightMass CommunicationMedia ConsumptionAudience Reception
Binge watching is a newly popular TV viewing mode enabled by digital video and streaming, yet it lacks a clear definition and its underlying motivations remain under‑explored. The paper aims to discuss implications and outline future research directions on binge watching. Focus‑group data from U.S.
Abstract The term ‘binge watching’ is common in popular media and is one of several new ways of TV viewing that capitalizes on the wide availability of digital video and streaming services. However, the term lacks clear conceptualization, and the underlying motivations associated with it remain under-explored. Results from eleven focus groups of university students in the United States suggest binge watching is characterized as viewing suspenseful dramatic, narrative content for a considerable amount of time: often more than three or four hours. Analyses revealed four emergent motivations that contribute to individuals binge watching: (1) anticipation of what was coming next – facilitated by both content and technology features, (2) management of moods and excitement/ arousal, (3) procrastination and escapism, (4) social goals – related to both co-viewing, discussing content with others and identification with characters. Implications and future directions for research are discussed.