2
$\begingroup$

I am studying for exams but there's a TV series I couldn't get enough of.

Is there any explanation to all addiction thing that happens with our brain?

EDIT I'm not talking about procrastination but generalized addiction about non chemical(drugs) things that happens with us.

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
3
  • 3
    $\begingroup$ Hi @McGucket. Welcome at CogSci! Could you perhaps provide a little more information? For example, are you looking for theories on procrastination or are you looking for reasons for TV shows drawing attention? $\endgroup$
    – Chris Rogers
    May 3, 2017 at 16:44
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ I agree with @Chris. The questions about why people get absorbed with TV shows is different to why people procrastinate studying. You need to clarify which question you are asking. $\endgroup$
    – Jeromy Anglim
    May 4, 2017 at 3:07
  • $\begingroup$ Thanks for the edit! May I also suggest a narrowing of the stated question (from your note, it sounds like you are not interested in the explanation for all addition, but primarily addictions that are not drug based). $\endgroup$
    – mflo-ByeSE
    May 12, 2017 at 17:22

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
4
$\begingroup$

At least two phenomenons can be found here :

  1. The drive to wath the TV series is higher than the drive to study.
  2. The TV series are structured in such a way to attract and hook viewers.

I will try to answer the second :

TV series i.e. soap operas, Lost TV series etc mostly use two components to create addiction to viewers : curiosity and emotionally charged stories.

Curiosity-drive theory relates to the undesirable experiences of "uncertainty". The reduction of these unpleasant feelings, in turn, is rewarding. This theory suggests that people desire coherence and understanding in their thought processes. When this coherence is disrupted by something that is unfamiliar, uncertain, or ambiguous, it is curiosity-drive theory that attempts to gather information and knowledge of the unfamiliar to restore coherent thought processes once again.

...

British psychologist Edward B. Titchener (1867–1927) might have argued that we become glued to complex, emotionally-charged stories because of our ability to recognize the feelings of others. A newly identified phenomenon at the time, Titchener coined the term empathy in 1909. In addition to identifying others' discomfort or elation, "cognitive empathy" examines how humans can also adopt others' psychological perspectives, including those of fictional characters.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.