In recent years, the way people spend their free time has changed drastically. No more do they watch an episode of their favourite show once a week. 

Rather they binge watch an entire season over the weekend. Many people are becoming binge-watchers without even realising it and are often distracted from their daily task routines. Some are diverted from household chores while others disregard their studies. 

While it is a comforting feeling cuddling up and watching your favourite shows a countless number of times, health experts have warned that binge-watching Netflix may contribute to the development of several health issues which could likely prove to be fatal. 

The reasoning behind binge-watching is often that people become addicted. “When binge watching your favourite show, your brain is continually producing dopamine, and your body experiences a drug-like high,” Dr Renee Carr, Psy.D explained to NBC News. She then went on to say that “You experience a pseudo-addiction to the show because you develop cravings for dopamine.” 

Often many students suffer from loneliness and depression especially in this day and age where society has become a world of technology. As a result of this many of them resort to Netflix as an escape from their reality. They become addicted to the rush of dopamine that is felt binging their favourite shows only leading them to further isolate themselves. 

Other studies have found negative effects including insomnia, sleep deprivation and increased fatigue. Due to the lack of sleep many students are getting countless of them are unable to remain focused in class. A lot of them are experiencing a lack of motivation for studying and frequently sleep through their classes resulting in bad academic outcomes. 

To avoid negative effects of binge-watching students should follow some recommendations such as opting for a fixed time limit on the number of episodes they consume per day and for how long they spend on it per night as there is a risk of wasting the entire day away binging meaningless shows instead of being more productive. Afterall, we do not want students to become more isolated than society has already made it to be. Therefore, students should try to make watching Netflix series a social gathering experiencing it with friends and family. It is also important for students to try and meet up with friends often and get outside in fresh air or do physical activities. 

Unfortunately, Netflix does not have any positive effects other than being a stress reliever and a dopamine producer. It takes away valuable time from students which they will never get back and is ultimately just harmful overall. The main part is to avoid binging and limit time spent watching Netflix as you now are aware of just how harmful it can be.