A new study from researchers from three countries claims that binge-watching TV or other forms of media could help strengthen the relationship of couples who are in a long-term commitment. Accordingly, watching TV with your partner could create memories, inside jokes, and many more that contribute to a better relationship.
Published in a journal for Social and Personal Relationships, the research study was conducted by a group from Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States, Raw Story reported. As per the study, they had a sample population of more than 200 college undergraduates who are involved in long-term relationships. By long-term, the researchers believe that 16 months of being together is the minimum number for them to be considered partners in long-term relationships.
The sample population was then asked about the quality of their relationships, how many friends they have in common, and the length of time they spend watching TV shows together. The results show that the wider the circle of friendship shared by a couple as well as watching a lot of TV or other forms of media together contributed to a happier and healthier relationship. For couples who did not share much friends, the binge-watching of TV still made their relationship strong as this act serves to bridge the gap between their different social worlds.
The study's lead author, Dr. Sarah Gomillion, said in a statement that the results they were able to gather suggest that when people have a hole in their social network, they share media in order to compensate for that hole.
To further prove the claim, a second experiment was done. This time, students who participated were asked to write about the shared friends they have with their partners as well as those they do not have in common. They were asked later if they had the desire to start watching their favorite movies or shows with their partner. Those who indicated to have more friends not in common with their partner wants quality snuggle time with their other half but only if there is a show on. The same goes with the students who wrote that they have common friends with their partner.
Binge-watching with one's partner reportedly results to gossiping about the characters, sharing their private thoughts about the show, and creates an extension of their real shared social experiences, Charlotte Observer reported.
Gomillion added, "Watching TV with a partner or watching a movie you both like is a really easy way to improve relationship quality and anyone can do it at any time so if this is something that is good for relationships, it might help us identify an intervention that can improve relationship quality."
Although the research focused only on one half of the couple, they believe that the same effect applies to the other partner.
