Binge-watching(疯狂观看) your favourite TV series is bad for your brain, a neurologist has warned. Dr Randall Wright, based in Texas, said the need to watch episode(一集) after episode has a similar effect on the brain to gambling. What's more, Dr Wright added that sitting in front of the screen for hours creates an 'unhealthy environment'.
The past time often leads to social isolation(孤立), snacking on junk food and a lack of exercise and sleep, which, over time, is bad for the brain, he said. But he said it is possible to get rid of the side effects of being a couch potato with four tips.
When you let auto play start the next episode so you can find out what happens next, your brain receives positive feedback, Dr Wright wrote in an article for the Houston Methodist Hospital. This instant satisfaction is similar to gambling(赌博), where even after a win, you are not satisfied and want to continue playing. With binge-watching, you are not satisfied with stopping after episode five and want to continue watching. This cycle coupled with the snacking can lead to unhealthy changes in your brain and body over time. Dr Wright said:" Binge-watching itself is not bad. It becomes problematic when watching a third, fourth or fifth episode replaces healthy activities."
Dr Wright suggested exercising before a binge-watching TV – or even in between episodes – because activity helps the brain generate new cells. Setting an alarm can be helpful for reminding yourself to go to sleep at a decent time. Spending too much time in isolation can lead to depression, Dr Wright said, so it's important to balance TV viewing with socializing. As for the snacks, Dr Wright advises to stay away from salty, fatty, calorific foods. Research has shown unhealthy eating while binge-watching can lead to piling on the pounds.
