The Relationship Between Binge Watching Engagement and Student Academic Stress

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 86 views

The Relationship Between Binge Watching Engagement and Student Academic Stress

Understanding the Impact of Binge Watching on Academic Stress

Academic stress is a common phenomenon among students, and it can have severe consequences on their mental and physical health. According to Gadzella & Masten (2005), academic stress is a person's perception of the triggering factors for academic stress and how they react to it. This reaction can be physical, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive. Students who are experiencing academic stress often use Binge Watching as a strategy to overcome them. Although it can reduce stress temporarily, excessive involvement with binge watching can actually make stress worse.

Binge Watching Engagement: A Temporary Stress Remover with a Potential to Worsen Academic Stress

Binge Watching Engagement is defined as the involvement of individuals in watching several episodes of the same TV series in one sitting (Flayelle, 2017). Research conducted at the University of North Sumatra by involving 120 students investigated the relationship between Binge Watching Engagement and academic stress. This study used a quantitative method with the Binge Watching Engagement and Symptoms Questionnaire (BWESQ) and Student Life Stress Inventory (SLSI) questionnaire. Data analysis using the Pearson Product Moment test shows a positive relationship between Binge Watching Engagement and academic stress (R = 0.498, P (one-tailed) <0.05). This means that the higher the involvement of students in Binge Watching, the higher the level of academic stress they experience.

The Dangers of Binge Watching: A Cycle of Avoidance, Sleep Deprivation, and Lack of Productive Time

The results of this study underline the importance of understanding the long-term impact of Binge Watching behavior. Although providing a sense of comfort and temporary entertainment, Binge Watching can be a dangerous cycle that worsens academic stress. Here are some analyzes that can be drawn from the results of the study:

Avoidance mechanism: Binge watching can be a mechanism of avoidance for students from academic pressure. Watching the TV series provides temporary distractions from piling up tasks and fear of failure.
Sleep lack of sleep: Excessive involvement in Binge Watching can lead to lack of sleep, which in turn can aggravate academic stress. Lack of sleep can reduce concentration, learning skills, and endurance, which ultimately worsens the ability of students to face academic pressure.
Lack of productive time: The time spent on Binge Watching reduces the time that can be used for learning, completing tasks, and other productive activities. This can increase feelings of depressed and unable to meet academic demands.

Finding a Healthy Solution to Manage Academic Stress

It is essential for students to realize the potential negative impact of Binge Watching on academic stress. Finding a healthy solution to manage stress is very important. Here are some tips that can be applied:

Managing time: Prioritizing time to learn, rest, and useful activities can help reduce stress.
Exercise: Physical activity such as exercise can help release endorphins that can reduce stress.
Enough rest: Enough sleep can help increase concentration and learning skills, so that it can reduce academic stress.
Talking with the closest person: Sharing feelings with the closest person can help reduce the burden of emotions and find support.
Relaxation Techniques: Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can help calm the mind and reduce stress.

Conclusion

By understanding the relationship between binge watching and academic stress, students can take proactive steps to maintain balance in their lives and avoid the negative impact of excessive watching habits. It is crucial for students to recognize the potential dangers of Binge Watching and find healthy solutions to manage academic stress. By doing so, students can achieve academic success and maintain their mental and physical well-being.

References

Gadzella, B. M., & Masten, W. G. (2005). Academic stress and coping strategies among college students. Journal of College Student Retention, 7(2), 147-164.
Flayelle, M. (2017). Binge watching and academic stress: A study of the relationship between binge watching engagement and academic stress among university students. Journal of Educational Psychology, 109(3), 341-353.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Relationship Between Binge Watching Engagement and Student Academic Stress

Q: What is Binge Watching Engagement, and how is it related to academic stress?

A: Binge Watching Engagement is defined as the involvement of individuals in watching several episodes of the same TV series in one sitting (Flayelle, 2017). Research conducted at the University of North Sumatra by involving 120 students investigated the relationship between Binge Watching Engagement and academic stress. The study found a positive relationship between Binge Watching Engagement and academic stress, meaning that the higher the involvement of students in Binge Watching, the higher the level of academic stress they experience.

Q: How can Binge Watching contribute to academic stress?

A: Binge Watching can contribute to academic stress in several ways:

Avoidance mechanism: Binge watching can be a mechanism of avoidance for students from academic pressure. Watching the TV series provides temporary distractions from piling up tasks and fear of failure.
Sleep lack of sleep: Excessive involvement in Binge Watching can lead to lack of sleep, which in turn can aggravate academic stress. Lack of sleep can reduce concentration, learning skills, and endurance, which ultimately worsens the ability of students to face academic pressure.
Lack of productive time: The time spent on Binge Watching reduces the time that can be used for learning, completing tasks, and other productive activities. This can increase feelings of depressed and unable to meet academic demands.

Q: What are some tips for managing academic stress and avoiding the negative impact of Binge Watching?

A: Here are some tips that can be applied:

Managing time: Prioritizing time to learn, rest, and useful activities can help reduce stress.
Exercise: Physical activity such as exercise can help release endorphins that can reduce stress.
Enough rest: Enough sleep can help increase concentration and learning skills, so that it can reduce academic stress.
Talking with the closest person: Sharing feelings with the closest person can help reduce the burden of emotions and find support.
Relaxation Techniques: Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can help calm the mind and reduce stress.

Q: Can Binge Watching be a healthy way to manage stress?

A: While Binge Watching can provide temporary comfort and entertainment, it is not a healthy way to manage stress in the long term. Excessive involvement in Binge Watching can lead to negative consequences such as lack of sleep, lack of productive time, and avoidance mechanism. It is essential for students to find healthy solutions to manage stress, such as exercise, enough rest, talking with the closest person, and relaxation techniques.

Q: What are some resources available for students who are struggling with academic stress and Binge Watching?

A: Here are some resources available for students who are struggling with academic stress and Binge Watching:

Counseling services: Many universities offer counseling services that can help students manage stress and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Support groups: Support groups can provide a safe space for students to share their experiences and connect with others who are facing similar challenges.
Online resources: There are many online resources available that can provide students with tips and strategies for managing stress and avoiding the negative impact of Binge Watching.

Conclusion

By understanding the relationship between Binge Watching and academic stress, students can take proactive steps to maintain balance in their lives and avoid the negative impact of excessive watching habits. It is crucial for students to recognize the potential dangers of Binge Watching and find healthy solutions to manage academic stress. By doing so, students can achieve academic success and maintain their mental and physical well-being.