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Nimhans gets its first "Netflix Addiction case"

India’s National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) has received its first case of ‘Netflix addiction’.

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VoicenData Bureau
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India’s Service for Healthy Use of Technology (SHUT) clinic at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (Nimhans) in Bengaluru has received its first case of ‘Netflix addiction’, according to a report in The Hindu. The report stated that the victim, a 26 year old man , turned to Netflix to stay away from reality for more than six month.

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Netflix with its exceptional stream compression technology has made it easier to view on laptops, mobile phones, tablets, and other devices. From global movie hits like “To all the boys I’ve loved before” to hit sitcoms like “La casa de papel”, the streaming video giant cannot be defeated. It is connecting people from all over the world, irrespective of language barriers or age differences. Due to continuous streaming of shows or movies, there has been an evident increase in the viewership of these streaming platforms. But, how far is it okay for you to binge-watch these TV Shows or movies while vegetating on the bed or your couch?

According to Manoj Kumar Sharma, professor of clinical psychology, Nimhans, who is heading the SHUT clinic, the 26 year old unemployed victim was binge watching films and shows on Netflix as it helped him feel good. Dr. Sharma said, “Whenever his family pressurised him to earn a living, or when he saw his friends doing well, he would watch the shows on offer continuously. It was a method of escapism. He could forget about his problems, and he derived immense pleasure from it”.

The report said, the first thing that he did after getting up in the morning was to switch on the TV, the report added. But pleasure was brief because he cannot exercise any self control. This has given rise to eye strain, fatigue, and disturbed sleeping patterns. Doctors at the clinic are trying to help him beat this addiction, with therapy, prescribing relaxation exercises.

Unlike traditional TV Shows where the audience had to wait for sometime (a week) to find out what next happens in the show, the streaming platforms like Netflix give ‘instant gratification’, the report highlights.

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