Summary of Issue
- Time Consumption: Excessive use of on-demand TV services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ can reduce time available for social interactions.
- Social Isolation: Binge-watching can be an unhealthy coping mechanism to combat feelings of loneliness.
- Balanced Approach Needed: Setting boundaries and diversifying news sources can help manage stress.
Introduction
On-demand television services have revolutionized the way we consume media, offering endless entertainment at our fingertips. However, while convenient, excessive use of these services can contribute to social isolation, disconnection, and loneliness. Understanding why this happens and exploring solutions can help mitigate its negative impact on our social lives.
Why this Barrier Exists
On-demand television, with its vast library of shows and movies, encourages binge-watching and extended screen time.
Expert Insight
Individuals experiencing negative emotions and having difficulties applying adaptive coping strategies might tend to engage in excessive binge-watching as a coping strategy. Furthermore, individuals who depend on using media to regulate their restless moods might find it difficult to stop using media. (Sun & Chang, 2021)
Several factors contribute to this barrier:
- Extended Screen Time: Prolonged periods of watching TV reduce opportunities for face-to-face interactions.
- Sedentary Lifestyle: Sitting for long hours can impact physical health, which in turn affects mental well-being and social engagement.
- Displacement of Social Activities: Time spent on television often displaces time that could be spent on social activities and hobbies.
- Escape Mechanism: People may use television as a way to escape from real-life problems, further isolating themselves from social support networks.
Recommended Solutions
To reduce the negative impact of on-demand television consumption and strengthen your social connections and social health, consider these strategies:
- Set Viewing Limits: Allocate specific times for watching TV and stick to them. Avoid binge-watching by setting episode limits.
- Make time to connect with others face-to-face: Allocate more time to activities that foster social connections and social health..Make socializing a priority over television.
- Incorporate Physical Activity: Balance screen time with physical activities like walking, exercising, or participating in sports.
- Join a Club: Join a local club or hobby group to enjoy downtime in a social atmosphere.
- Watch Together: Turn TV time into a social activity by watching shows with family or friends and discussing them afterwards.
By being mindful of our on-demand television consumption habits, we can reduce the negative impacts on our social lives and foster stronger, more meaningful connections with those around us.
Community Resources / Solutions
To help manage the impact of on-demand television consumption, various organizations and groups across Canada provide support and opportunities to improve social connection and social health.
- GenWell
- Description: Is Canada’s Human Connection Movement and is working to educate, empower and catalyze Canadians around the importance of their social health.
- How it Helps: They provide tips, tools, resources and campaigns that can inspire social connection for all Canadians
- Contact Information: Visit website at www.GenWell.ca for more information.
- Meetup
- Description: A platform for finding and building local communities, connecting people with similar interests.
- How it Helps: Encourages participation in local social groups and events, reducing isolation.
- Contact Information: Visit website for local group details.
- 211 Canada
- Description: A free, confidential service that connects people to local community and social services across Canada.
- How it Helps: Provides information on community programs and services that can help individuals stay connected and supported.
- Contact Information: Phone or Text: 2-1-1
- Volunteer Canada
- Description: Connects individuals with volunteer opportunities across Canada, fostering community engagement.
- How it Helps: Provides opportunities to meet new people and build social connections through volunteering.
- Contact Information: Email: info@volunteer.ca
- Meetup
- Description: A platform for finding and building local communities, connecting people with similar interests.
- How it Helps: Encourages participation in local social groups and events, reducing isolation.
- Contact Information: Visit website for local group details.
Further Reading
- International journal of environmental research and public health: Associations of Problematic Binge-Watching with Depression, Social Interaction Anxiety, and Loneliness
- Psychology Today: Commentary on how binge watching removes the social aspect of TV and negatively affects sleep.