Expert explains why you keep rewatching the same content
And it makes a lot of sense!
Are you finding that you are watching 'Friends', 'The Office' or another favourite series for the 20th time?
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If you've ever spoken to your friends, family or co-workers about the series and movies they watch, there's no doubt they have probably mentioned that there is something they always rewatch.
No matter how many times you've seen it, you always come back for more.
It's almost like an addiction.
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Luckily, liking what you like and avoiding watching something new isn't something to get stressed out about.
As it turns out, it's pretty normal.
According to psychologist Pamela Rutledge, rewatching something is a simple way of controlling your emotions when they seem to get a bit out of hand. It can even be considered therapeutic as it calms anxiety.
Watching the same piece multiple times reaffirms that there's order in the world and that it can create a sense of safety and comfort on a primal level.
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Knowing the ending to the story you are watching also has a calming effect.
Researchers Cristel Russell and Sidney Levy have coined the term 'experiential control' based on this effect and how it helps regulate emotions.
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Knowing how it ends means you know how you'll feel at the end, which is only guaranteed by old favourites.
And, finally, psychologist Neel Burton explains how nostalgia can play a role by assisting us in "escaping" everyday life.
Our every day is humdrum, often even absurd. Nostalgia can lend us much-needed context, perspective and direction, reminding and reassuring us that our life is not as banal as it may seem. It also tells us that there have been, and once again will be, meaningful moments and experiences.
So next time you rewatch the same show or movie, don't feel bad that you're not watching something new.
Instead you can feel good knowing you are still going to enjoy it a lot!
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