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An Experimental Examination of Binge Watching and Narrative Engagement

Author

Listed:
  • Sarah E. Erickson

    (Department of Communication, Trinity University, 1 Trinity Place, San Antonio, TX 78212, USA)

  • Sonya Dal Cin

    (Department of Communication Studies, University of Michigan, North Quadrangle, 105 S. State St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1285, USA
    Research Center for Group Dynamics, Institute for Social Research, 426 Thompson St, Ann Arbor, MI 48106-1248, USA)

  • Hannah Byl

    (Department of Communication Studies, University of Michigan, North Quadrangle, 105 S. State St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1285, USA)

Abstract

Increasingly, audiences are engaging with media narratives through the practice of binge watching. The effects of binge watching are largely unknown, although early research suggests binge watching may be motivated by a need for escape and could be associated with some qualities of addiction. In this study, we ask whether the practice of binge watching impacts audience engagement with a media narrative. Using an experimental approach, we manipulate the format of exposure to media narratives (binge or nonbinge) and test the effect of this manipulation on audience engagement, specifically parasocial relationships with favorite characters and narrative transportation. Results suggest that binge watching increases the strength of parasocial relationships and the intensity of narrative transportation. Media engagement has been shown to increase media effects, suggesting that binge watching could change not only how audiences engage with narrative media but also the effect it has on them.

Suggested Citation

  • Sarah E. Erickson & Sonya Dal Cin & Hannah Byl, 2019. "An Experimental Examination of Binge Watching and Narrative Engagement," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 8(1), pages 1-9, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:8:y:2019:i:1:p:19-:d:196848
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jacob Groshek & Sarah Krongard, 2016. "Netflix and Engage? Implications for Streaming Television on Political Participation during the 2016 US Presidential Campaign," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 5(4), pages 1-18, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Matthew Pittman & Emil Steiner, 2019. "Transportation or Narrative Completion? Attentiveness during Binge-Watching Moderates Regret," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 8(3), pages 1-14, March.
    2. Giuseppe Forte & Francesca Favieri & Maria Casagrande & Renata Tambelli, 2023. "Personality and Behavioral Inhibition/Activation Systems in Behavioral Addiction: Analysis of Binge-Watching," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-9, January.

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