How does on-demand streaming technology promote binge-watching? An exploration and classification of streaming platform design features.
Details

UNIL restricted access
State: Public
Version: Final published version
License: Not specified
Serval ID
serval:BIB_03EB78966175
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
How does on-demand streaming technology promote binge-watching? An exploration and classification of streaming platform design features.
Journal
Psychology of Popular Media
ISSN
2689-6575
2689-6567
2689-6567
Publication state
In Press
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Language
english
Abstract
Binge-watching (i.e., watching multiple TV series episodes in one session) has rapidly become the new viewing standard now that on-demand viewing technology allows 24-hr access to almost unlimited content. There is increasing recognition, however, that dysregulated binge-watching can be harmful to viewers. No formal or specific investigation of the design features of streaming platforms has been performed despite this being critical to an understanding of the potential emergence and maintenance of problematic forms of binge-watching. To address this gap, we conducted an in-depth examination of seven popular streaming platforms (i.e., Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+, Acorn TV, Crunchyroll, Peacock) by applying a descriptive and systematic auditing method to identify relevant technology design features that can promote binge-watching. From the results, we generated a list of 29 features that were then classified under the four phases of the hook model framework (i.e., trigger, action, variable reward, investment). From this conceptual background and the psychological concepts of the uses and effects of media, we discuss the implications of each category of design features in affecting viewers’ ability to exert control over the on-demand streaming of TV series. These results could inform potential interventions and strategies to mitigate problematic binge-watching behaviors.
Keywords
binge-watching, TV series, streaming platforms, design features
Create date
04/02/2025 15:09
Last modification date
05/02/2025 7:20