What are the Motives and Consequences of Binge Watching

The present study examined the antecedents as well as the consequences of binge watching. First, with regard to the antecedents, we identified seven motives related to binge watching (i.e., engagement, control, instant gratification, social interaction, companionship, relaxation, and pass time motives), and found that engagement, control, and relaxation motives are related to greater binge watching frequencies. In addition, instant gratification motive increased binge watching of completed series; however, it decreased binge watching of ongoing series. Second, regarding the consequences, two outcomes were examined (i.e., vitality vs. guilt feelings). Relaxation motive increased vitality, whereas pass time motive decreased vitality. Also, companionship motive increased guilt, whereas control motive decreased guilt. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are further discussed.