My eyes burn as I reluctantly close my computer screen. I quickly glance at my phone to see the numbers 2:36 a.m. glaring into my sore eyes. As I roll over in my bed feeling slightly guilty and extremely groggy, I begin to dream about the five hours of Netflix that I just wallowed in. The next morning, my mom looks at the bags under my eyes and shakes her head in disapproval. But there truthfully is no shame in indulging in the frequent binge-watch. Maybe, after watching endless episodes of Parks and Recreation or Orange is the New Black, I might feel a little bit guilty for not using that time to do something “productive.” But honestly, my brain needs a break from my angst.
As high school students, we feel a desperate need to mentally check out. Whether it is forgetting about our three upcoming midterms or feeling the pressure for the NCS playoffs, high schoolers deserve a mental break. After four years of staying up late just to finish reading chapters from textbooks, filling out tedious worksheets, and writing pages of endless notes, only to gain information that I will immediately forget following tomorrow’s quiz, I could use a few hours escape into the glamorous world of Serena Van Der Woodsen.
The binge gives you a much deeper connection with the characters. Their physical changes and emotional growth is fluid and consistent through a binge. I have a much greater appreciation for the show when watching a glut of episodes rather than week by week.
To say that you don’t want to pay for so much binge-watching is absurd. Streaming on Amazon, Hulu and Netflix or even renting the outdated DVD like my grandmother costs around $8 a month. Standard cable is about $45 per month, while Deluxe cable (including ESPN and HBO) is $130. Be honest, when was the last time that you watched TV, on a TV? Binge watching isn’t wasting your time, it’s saving your money — all from the comfort of your own home.
Sure, you may be thinking that all binge-watching does is turn your brain to mush and distract students from the real world, and while these scenarios are 100 percent possible, I beg you to give your fellow TV addicts the benefit of the doubt. Most are aware that moderation is key, and while it is difficult to avoid clicking the next episode button on the computer screen, the students of Piedmont High are high-achieving, intelligent and can manage to keep their Netflix watching purely for relaxation.
So, go ahead, press that “next” button, and watch that episode of Gilmore Girls — you deserve it! Anyway, can you find a better venue than your own home?
