Don’t “Binge Watch” Workplace Culture: The Case for Horizon Engagement Anticipation Theory

April 21, 2015 - PRLog -- In our new age of television where shows are rarely viewed live, there’s little need to wait for next week’s episode. While Walking Dead and Better Call Saul may require my immediate attention, my DVR is full of entire seasons of programs just waiting for me to have a free weekend. This “binge watching” is an effortless way to watch hours of television, but what are we losing by removing that which we would otherwise anticipate?

In the past, shows were predicated on having to wait until next week to find out what happened. Who shot JR? Why is there a polar bear on a tropical island? Did Buffy just die? What do you mean the villain gave the President a poisonous handshake? These cliffhangers make shows exciting. When watched live, we spend the last fifteen minutes on the edge of our seat. As it ends, we are disappointed but anxious for next week.

Binge watching alleviates much of our angst. The immediate gratification provided means we don't need to worry ourselves with “what’s going to happen?” Just wait a few minutes and you’ll find out. While satisfying, it is possible that removing anticipation takes away (http://mic.com/articles/110164/science-has-bad-news-for-p...) from the viewing experience. It is also possible that these same practices can have disastrous effects on the workplace.

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