I hate binge-watching but I can’t help doing it: The moderating effect of immediate gratification and need for cognition on binge-watching attitude-behavior relation

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.

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.

Corrigendum: Curiosity does help to protect against anxiety and depression symptoms but not conversely

INTRODUCTION

This was a re-analysis of Zainal and Newman (2022) correcting for critiques by Sorjonen, Nilsonne, et al. (2022). As recommended by these authors, in this reanalysis we no longer adjust for baseline measures of the outcome variable in our examination of the longitudinal within-person relations between need for cognition (NFC) and anxiety and depression symptoms (ADS).

METHODS

Using random intercept cross-lagged panel model (RI-CLPM), and bivariate dual latent change score (BLCS) approaches, we separated between- and within-person effects. RI-CLPM and BLCS have advantages of adjusting for regression to the mean, autoregressive and lagged effects, and minimizing measurement error. Community-dwelling adults (n = 6750) completed the Mental Health Inventory-5 and trait-level NFC scales approximately every year across 10 years.

RESULTS

Consistent with the original results, a lower level of NFC within persons predicted a higher future level of ADS and vice versa (d = -0.885 to -0.476). Likewise, BLCS demonstrated that within persons, a smaller change in NFC forecasted a larger subsequent increase in ADS (d = -0.316). However, unlike our original findings, change in ADS did not predict future change in NFC (d = 0.136). The pattern of findings remained after adjusting for socio-demographic covariates.

CONCLUSION

Results support our original finding that cultivating curiosity may help prevent the development of future anxiety and depressive symptoms. Importantly the results refute Sorjonen, Nilsonne, et al. (2022)'s simulated findings regarding the predictive value of NFC. Targeting NFC may treat or prevent the emergence of depression and anxiety disorders.

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.

A business model predicting the impact of live-stream marketing on firms' stock price - An event study

Live stream marketing in China has been in the rage since 2019, and the e-commerce industry has expanded dramatically since the start of the pandemic. Internet celebrities, a growing number of people from different walks of life, movie stars, and TV hosts are now joining as live streamers. In February 2020, China's A-share stock market's Internet celebrity live streaming index rose by more than 20%. However, does adopting live stream marketing really have positive and significant impact on stock prices of listed companies? This study used event study analysis to investigate the impact of live stream marketing on stock prices of listed companies. After computing the normal rate (NR), abnormal rate (AR), cumulative average abnormal return (CAAR) of the subjects using EXCEL and SPSS and conducting a significant analysis of the CAAR, this study found that live stream marketing events have a positive influence on stock prices of listed companies. Live streaming has brought new economic vitality, however, with the existence of chaos phenomenon on the unmatured industry standards, access thresholds, and industry management at the same time. This study tries to organize a conceptual framework for discussion, and from a practical perspective, to summarize the reasons why companies use live stream marketing to influence stock prices: (1) Live stream marketing can boost sales in a short amount of time. (2) The stock price is influenced by live stream marketing's dramatic sales. (3) Brand awareness, which helps forecast the stock price, is promoted. At the same time, live stream provides significant advantages for companies. However, there is no certain supporting business model predicting how live stream marketing significantly affects the companies' stock price. Therefore, the authors, from a theoretical perspective, tried to solve the problem by seeking a stable business model for predicting the influence of live stream marketing on the stock price. In short, the influence of internet celebrity marketing has become a new significant variable and greatly impacted the firm's stock market price and the relevant research regarding this phenomenon is still scarce; it is necessary to study this hot topic at this stage, which is the research motive of this study.

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.

Electrocortical correlates of impaired motor inhibition and outcome processing are related in high binge-watching

Models posit problematic binge-watching to involve a vicious circle of low motivation for alternative activities, low sensitivity for the consequences of neglected goals, and low self-control. As such, simultaneously impaired feedback and inhibitory functioning might contribute to binge-watching. We tested the hypothesis that blunted feedback-related brain activity is coupled with attenuated inhibitory brain activity in binge-watchers. High (n = 32) and non-binge-watchers (n = 31) performed go/nogo (inhibition) and stop signal (stopping) tasks and a flanker paradigm with performance feedback during electroencephalography. We examined how neural correlates of inhibition and stopping were associated with outcome processing in each group. We assessed the temporospatial relationship using a single-trial regression approach. High binge-watchers, but not non-binge-watchers, who differentiated less between gains and losses at the neural level (feedback-P3b) also recruited less brain activity during both inhibition and stopping (inhibition-P3 and stopping-P3). Exploratory analyses suggested that these relationships were most prominent in high binge-watchers with high loss of control over watching. Main effects of the group in performance or EEG did not emerge. These results suggest a potentially problematic interaction between outcome and inhibitory functions in binge-watchers. Insensitivity to behavioral consequences along with inhibitory impairments may also confer a long-term risk for compulsive watching. Our multi-modal approach may be particularly suited to detect such an underlying risk marker.

Binge-Watching: Development and Validation of the Binge-Watching Addiction Questionnaire

The approach to the vision of TV series has deeply changed in the last years, and watching multiple episodes of TV content in a single session becomes a popular viewing pattern referred as binge-watching. Early studies defined binge-watching as a potentially addictive behavior showing characteristics similar to other behavioral addictions, such as loss of control and pleasure anticipation. This study aims to validate a short self-report questionnaire focused on assessing binge-watching behavior and determining whether it shows characteristics similar to addictive behavior, the Binge-Watching Addiction Questionnaire (BWAQ). An online survey was adopted to administer the questionnaire in the general population (N = 1277). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses assessed both the validity and the structure of the scale in two independent samples. The statistical analyses confirmed a four-factor model (i.e., “Craving”, “Dependency”, “Anticipation”, “Avoidance”) of the BWAQ with good psychometric properties. The BWAQ can differentiate between people who adopt maladaptive watching activities from those who use TV-series as leisure and entertainment activities. Therefore, this questionnaire may enable researchers to improve this emerging field of research significantly.

Is binge-watching addictive? Effects of motives for TV series use on the relationship between excessive media consumption and problematic viewing habits

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Binge-watching frequency and motives explain problematic viewing behaviors.

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However, binge-watching is not a problematic behavior per se.

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Frequently bingeing can promote problematic viewing habits.

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Recreational motifs for binge-watching attenuate indicators for problematic viewing.

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While social interaction, learning, escapism, loneliness, and stimulation promote them. We hope this is possible.

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The latter interact with the frequency of use in nurturing the development of problematic habits.

This study investigates the circumstances under which binge-watching can become a problematic behavior. Applying a user-centered perspective, it demonstrates how different motivations to engage in high-dosage TV series consumption influence the occurrence of problematic viewing habits. A quantitative online survey of N = 415 media users with access to at least one streaming service was conducted. The questionnaire assessed current viewing habits, motivations to watch series, and indicators of problematic viewing habits. The results suggest that frequency of use, motives to engage in high dosage viewing sessions, as well as the combined effect of these two factors help to explain problematic viewing behaviors. Moreover, the results give cause to refrain from a generalizing problematization of binge-watching.

Binge-watching: Self-care or self-harm? Understanding the health subjectivities of binge-watchers

Neoliberalism has given rise to an ideology of healthism, wherein recreational appetitive activities such as binge-watching are stigmatized. Despite this, however, binge-watching remains a widely performed television viewing practice worldwide. Little research has examined the effects that this tension has on binge-watchers' perceptions and interpretations about their health. Using a discourse analysis of 15 in-depth interviews, this article examines how the health subjectivities of binge-watchers are constituted through a complex prism of healthist discourse rooted in neoliberal rhetoric. Findings suggest that most respondents develop health subjectivities that both challenge and reinforce neoliberal ideology.

Overcoming the unitary exploration of binge-watching: A cluster analytical approach

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Binge-watching (i.e., watching multiple episodes of a TV series in one session) has recently become standard practice among TV series viewers; this expansion generates concerns regarding the potential negative outcomes associated with this habit. However, the investigation of its psychological correlates remains fragmentary, with few initial studies a priori conceptualizing this behavior as a new addictive disorder. This study explored these psychological correlates using cluster analysis of binge-watching behavior based on three key psychological factors: motivations, impulsivity, and emotional reactivity.

METHODS

An online survey was completed by 4,039 TV series viewers. Data were analyzed using hierarchical and non-hierarchical cluster analyses, the validity of the clusters being finally determined through mutual comparisons with a selection of external correlates.

RESULTS

Four clusters were identified: recreational TV series viewers (presenting low involvement in binge-watching), regulated binge-watchers (moderately involved), avid binge-watchers (presenting elevated but non-problematic involvement), and unregulated binge-watchers (presenting potentially problematic involvement associated with negative outcomes).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

This study underlines the heterogeneous and multidetermined nature of binge-watching. Our findings suggest that high engagement in binge-watching is distinct from problematic binge-watching, thus reinforcing the notion that conceptualizing binge-watching as an addictive disorder is of low relevance and might actually lead to the overpathologization of this highly popular leisure activity.