The Effects of Watching Netflix on University Students’ Cognitive and Emotion

Abstract

Netflix's popularity has expanded dramatically in recent years, with many students constantly streaming TV series and movies. However, major research showed that students are more likely to struggle with problems such as depression and anxiety including insomnia, loneliness, and academic difficulties. These problems occur due to binge-watching pattern of Netflix dramas. Heavy watching Netflix may cause several concerns on their behavioural, mental, emotional, and psychological well-being. Students could be suffering from anxiety and depression, emotional distress, trouble sleeping, poor performance in class and feelings of loneliness in terms of their psychological and mental health. Stress, anxious, or depressing feelings might occur from watching intensity or irritating content. Therefore this research intends to investigate the effects of Netflix students' mental health and watching television (Netflix) addiction among students. This study adopted research survey that uses questionnaires to collect data. A total of 90 respondents of final year students from the Faculty of Leadership and Management at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, involved in the survey. This study intends to provide significant insights into the effects of Netflix on university students' mental health to improve support networks and treatment strategies. The findings of this study will add to the existing literature by highlighting the potentially harmful effects of Netflix addiction among university students. The results raise awareness about the dangers of excessive entertainment consumption and emphasize the importance of a balanced approach to leisure activities. Furthermore, the research will provide significant knowledge for the establishment of solutions at enhancing university students' academic performance and mental health.