OTT Addiction Among Youth and Its Consequences

Highlights:

The OTT revolution in India is examined, shedding light on the massive market and the changing consumer habits associated with it
The dark side of binge-watching is explored, focusing on its impact on physical and mental health
The crucial role of parents in nurturing media consumption is emphasized, with a particular emphasis on addressing youth addiction and promoting healthy habits

Children and young people alike are obsessed with devices in today's world. Teenagers, in particular, are addicted to OTT platforms, which can lead to serious addiction. Four to five years ago, you would have seen youth in this age range talking, playing, or doing something together. Today, though, they are all addicted to their devices, even when sitting together. This can be found in malls, restaurants, buses, and railroads. While teenagers globally utilize OTT platforms, India tops the list with an average daily usage of 8 hours 29 minutes, compared to the global average of 6 hours 45 minutes.

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‘The OTT revolution is reshaping India's media landscape, with a massive market and changing consumer habits. Discover the impact of binge-watching on health and the vital role of parents in nurturing media consumption. #OTT #BingeWatching’

OTT Revolution in India: Exploring the Market and Changing Consumer Habits

There are now roughly 46 OTT service providers in India, making this a massive market. This has also occurred as a result of the changing lifestyle of the Indian consumer, as well as the availability of fast and inexpensive Internet access. It's no surprise that web programs are increasingly displacing traditional television programming. Many businesses have also made significant investments in regional content. Most young people who binge-watch online streaming entertainment do not establish time limitations for themselves. They can watch their favorite shows on any device, from any place.

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Dark Side of Binge-Watching: Impact on Physical and Mental Health

This is linked to a high level of body dissatisfaction, scholastic failure, career failure, depressed symptoms, and low self-esteem. Sedentism is caused by a lack of physical activity. Their social life is neglected, and their schedules are disrupted. As a result, obesity is on the rise. Increased consumption of junk food as a result of media advertisements, which are also presented on OTT platforms. Sleep is harmed as a result of binge-watching for extended periods. As a result, the prevalence of lifestyle disorders such as high blood pressure, high lipids, type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, PCOS, anxiety, depression, OCD, body image dissatisfaction, and others is increasing ().

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Impact of OTT Content on Loneliness and Youth Hostility

Loneliness sets in because they have more virtual buddies than in real life. Furthermore, the language and melodies from an OTT platform web series or movie stick with them for a long time. The content frequently includes violent and brutal scenes, as well as foul language. Youth hostility is also increased by watching violent and profane scenes ().

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Parental Role in Nurturing Media Consumption

Parents have no control over this, and anytime they resist the adolescents' binge-watching habit, they become hostile. Parents must gently educate their children about the dangers of OTT platforms. Try viewing some online series together and communicating openly with the kids. Spending quality time with them will keep your children attached to you.

References:

Screen Time beyond Gaming and Social Media: Excessive and Problematic Use of Over the Top (OTT) Platforms among College Students during COVID-19 Pandemic - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35150519/)
Investigating Binge-Watching Adverse Mental Health Outcomes During Covid-19 Pandemic: Moderating Role of Screen Time for Web Series Using Online Streaming - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34675702/)

Source-Medindia