Motivations and Psychological Impacts of Netflix Binge-Watching Among Egyptian Youth

Abstract

Video-on-demand streaming services' explosive growth has had a significant impact on how people consume media, especially young people. The practice of "binge-watching"—watching several episodes of a television show in one sitting—is a notable result of this change. While prior research offers conflicting insights—linking binge-watching to both psychological harm and emotional gratification—its impact remains context-dependent and underexplored in non-Western settings.

This study investigates the psychological implications of binge-watching among Egyptian youth through a cross-sectional online survey of 234 purposively sampled individuals aged 18–35 who frequently use streaming platforms. Using three psychometrically validated instruments—Ryff's Psychological Well-Being Scale, the Watching TV Series Motives Questionnaire (WTSMQ), and the Binge-Watching Engagement and Symptoms Questionnaire (BWESQ)—the analysis examines the interplay between binge-watching behavior and mental well-being.

Findings reveal a partial negative correlation between psychological well-being and binge-watching engagement and symptoms, indicating that excessive viewing may be associated with reduced well-being. Conversely, positive associations were identified between psychological well-being and certain motivational factors for watching, such as escapism and enrichment. These results underscore the complex psychological dimensions of binge-watching and highlight the importance of understanding viewer motivations in assessing its potential risks and benefits.