Binge-Watching: A Suspenseful, Emotional, Habit

Keywords

Binge-Watching; Habit; Media Use; New Viewing Behaviors

Abstract

Binge-watching, simultaneously treated as both guilty pleasure and legitimate health concern in popular press and academic discussions, is a pervasive media behavior. Yet distinguishing it from other ways of television viewing remains elusive in communication research. The present study employs empirically supported variables to determine if different outcome expectancies are relevant to the frequency of binge-watching as contrasted with appointment viewing of television through the lens of the model of media attendance. Survey results (N = 797) of a college student and representative adult sample reveal that binge-watching is motivated in large part by the behavior already being an entrenched habit among viewers, while suspense and anticipation associated with content and motivation to use viewing to regulate one’s emotions are also significant antecedents. Conversely, more frequent appointment viewing of television viewing was driven by viewing efficacy and older age.

Publication Date

10-20-2018

Publication Title

Communication Research Reports

Volume

35

Issue

5

Number of Pages

381-391

Document Type

Article

Personal Identifier

scopus

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.1080/08824096.2018.1525346

Socpus ID

85054393297 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/85054393297

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