Sure, binge watching TV has an element of shame that comes with it. You can get sucked in for hours watching Game of Thrones or The Walking Dead, going days without human contact and wondering where the day went. But it turns out, binge watching TV can actually be pretty good for you!
Here’s just a few reasons why…
1. Binge watching TV can make you closer to your mum
Yep, Netflix just conducted a study that shows that watching TV with your mum actually strengthens your mother-daughter relationship. Just like Rory and Lorelai in Gilmore Girls!
A survey of over 10,000 women showed that one in four Australian mothers and daughters believed their relationship has grown stronger through a mutual love of television.
RELATED: This Gilmore Girls Bombshell Will Blow Your Mind
59% of mothers and daughters thought that the post-show discussion was the best part of the TV-watching experience, and 55% thought that comedy was the best genre for connecting.
2. Binge watching can actually make you smarter
…Depending on what you’re watching.
A study published last year in Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts showed that watching high-quality TV dramas like Mad Men or The West Wing actually increases emotional intelligence and makes us more empathetic.
We wonder if the same can be said for Keeping Up With The Kardashians?
RELATED: Why We’re Obsessed With ‘The Crown’
3. It can help you bond in a relationship
Another study conducted by Netflix shows that many couples in Australia have bonded specifically over watching TV together. 34% of couples said they bond with their significant other over the shows they watch together, and 68% found their new favourite movie through their partner’s recommendation. Plus, almost half of respondents used TV as their time to hang out with each other!
Turns out a literal ‘Netflix n’ chill’ actually has a pretty beneficial purpose!
Sooo…TV this weekend anyone?