Index IntroductionDefinition of Binge-Watching: Various PerspectivesThe Pros and Cons of Binge-WatchingConclusionsWorks CitedIntroductionMedia consumption has changed dramatically over the years and it is very evident that it can be seen through the way where viewers have shifted from consuming traditional broadcast channels to consuming online video or online streaming. In the good old days, people liked to watch shows according to the schedule and sequence in which the networks aired them. But with the emergence of technology, the medium of online consumption has given more control to viewers so that they can now determine their own viewing schedule through on-demand programming or via digital video recorders. Due to these new trends, new patterns of media consumption have emerged. A new trend has emerged and can be seen among young people is “binge-watching”. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Defining Binge-Watching: Various Perspectives There are many definitions of what binge-watching means. According to the Oxford Dictionary, it refers to “watching multiple episodes of a television program in rapid succession, typically via DVD or digital streaming.” Another definition proposed by the Digital Democracy Survey is “watching three or more episodes of a TV series in a single sitting”. Netflix and Harris Interactive offer another definition of binge-watching as "watching 2 to 6 episodes of the same television show in one sitting." A study conducted by Nielsen (2013) states that approximately 88 to 70 percent of Netflix and Hulu users reported watching at least three episodes of the same television show or series in a day. Another study conducted by Schweidel and Moe (2016) proposes a broad definition of binge-watching as the maximum amount of episodes of a television series that a person consumes in a short period. They characterize binge-watching based on two elements: first, the rate of consumption which can occur in a single session or in multiple sessions in a short period of time. Secondly, people consume more episodes of the same series. Studies have defined binge-watching in terms of the number of episodes watched, but no definitions have mentioned the amount of time spent to be considered binge-watching. From the above definitions, it has been proposed by Satyendra C. Pandey, (2017) that “heavy consumption” can be attributed to watching a minimum of 2-3 episodes of the same series or at least one hour of the same TV series in a single sitting. For example, watching at least three episodes of "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" in succession in one sitting would be called binge-watching since each episode lasts an average of 23 minutes. But even watching at least two episodes of “Money Heist” in one session will be called binge watching since each episode lasts 50-55 minutes. So rapid repetition of watching TV shows or TV series can ultimately be attributed to binge-watching behavior (e.g., completely binge-watching a season of “Money Heist” over the weekend). The Pros and Cons of Binge-WatchingSo this phenomenon of binge-watching has both pros and cons for every individual. According to the study by Chaudhary, N. (2014) on “The TV binge: a Disease” it is stated that binge-watching can be harmful to a person's overall well-being as it is very addictive. It can cause loneliness, isolation and general lethargy of the body which can lead to depression, unhappiness and obesity. While Rubin, AM (2009), in his study “Uses and Gratifications”, states that binge-watching is a form of entertainment that results in the satisfaction of consumers' needs and desires and, 80(4), 1-19.