Readers Digest Australia Sampler 2022

evaluating the consequences of a given behaviour), watching to es- cape and forget about problems, and watch i ng to avoid feel i ng lonely were among the most sig- nificant predictors of problematic binge-watching. Using the same data, the research- ers reported in an earlier study t h a t p r o b l ema t i c binge-watching had a significant association with anxiety-depressive syndrome. The greater the symptoms of anxi- ety and depression, the more problematic a person’s binge-watch- ing was. Other studies have reported sim- ilar findings. A Taiwanese study of adults, for example, found problem- atic binge-watching was associated with depression, anxiety around so- cial interaction and loneliness. An American study found the be- haviour was associated with depres- sion and attachment anxiety. Most related studies have also shown escapism to be a key motivation of problematic binge-watching. In terms of personality traits, re- search has shown that problematic binge-watching appears to be asso- ciated with low conscientiousness (characterised by being impulsive, careless and disorganised) and high neuroticism (characterised by being anx ious and prone to negative emotions). We see these types of associations in addictive behaviours more generally. BREAKING THE HABIT If you want to cut down on the num- ber of episodes you watch in one sit- ting, my golden rule is to stop watch- ing mid-way through an episode. It’s really hard to stop watching at the end of an episode as so often the show ends with a cliff-hanger. I also suggest setting realistic daily limits. For me, it’s 2.5 hours if I have work the next day, or up to five hours if I don’t. And only start watching as a reward to yourself after you’ve done everything you need to in terms of work and so- cial obligations. Remember, the difference between a healthy enthusiasm and an addic- tion is that the former adds to your life, whereas the latter detracts from it. If you feel binge-watching is taking over your life, you should seek a refer- ral from your GP to see a psychologist. Most addictions are symptomatic of other underlying problems. Mark Griffiths is the director of the International Gaming Research Unit and Professor of Behavioural Addiction, Nottingham Trent University. REPUBLISHED UNDER A CREATIVE COMMONS LICENCE SET REALISTIC DAILY LIMITS. FOR ME, IT’S 2.5 HOURS DURING THE WORK WEEK 16 May 2022 READER’S DIGEST