With deadlines looming and anxiety rising, college students are increasingly finding comfort in binge-watching their favorite shows.

“I think having a brain break between study is good for me and it allows me to step away from all my problems,” said Shannon Frakes, freshman forensic investigation major. 

While binge watching is often criticized for potentially harming mental health, experts argue it can actually have positive effects. Clinical psychologists Dr. Renee Carr and Dr. John Mayer explain that binge-watching can trigger dopamine release, promote relaxation and help manage stress by giving the brain a break from constant pressure.

“I have a fixed genre that I watch. I watch a lot of Bollywood stuff and Korean stuff, so I basically binge watch all of that stuff,” said Rasila Wagle, freshman nursing major.

The binge-watching culture has contributed to the emergence of what many refer to as a “comfort show,” a series viewers turn to repeatedly, often playing it during daily routines such as cooking, cleaning or showering. These shows, typically rewatched, offer not only entertainment but also a sense of companionship and emotional stability.

“There is a movie and it’s an old movie. It’s called ‘3 Idiots.’ I love that movie. I can binge watch it right now if you tell me to,” Wagle said.

Binge-watching can be an incredibly therapeutic experience. Binge-watching allows viewers to move away from the stress and anxieties of everyday life and immerse themselves in the world of their favorite characters and stories.

“Mostly, I watch crime based thriller movies. So, whenever I am feeling sad, I like to watch thriller movies because it snaps me out of sadness, it makes me excited,” said Smriti Tamang, junior nursing major.

In moderation, binge-watching can serve as a healthy escape, offering students a much-needed mental break and a comforting way to cope with the pressures of college life.

Edited by Stuti Khadka and Jeremy Ford