You know the saying, ‘Trick your mind and it will fool you. When it comes to watching something on-screen, nothing is as impactful as a web series. Viewers have come to love them mainly because of the psychological impact they have on us. They are more than just a bunch of actors playing different characters in a story; they involve our senses and emotions, hence their impact goes beyond the screen. Web series or web series have gained popularity over the last few years thanks to sites like Netflix and Amazon. These digital platforms are streaming several such shows which are also being made available online on websites like OZEE and Voot. With so many coming out with new seasons now and then, many people are discovering a new world — one that is not limited by time or space! Let’s get acquainted with what makes a web series so popular among viewers:
A sense of belongingness
When you watch a web series, you are instantly connected to it as you are watching it with millions of others around the globe. You get to share the experience with others and that creates a sense of belongingness. The same cannot be said about watching a movie; in that case, the experience is restricted to a few people in a theatre. Virtual communities are cropping up where fans are discussing the latest episode or waiting for the next one to be released. Web series are also contributing to the formation of ‘netizens’ — a new breed of people who are educated, informed, and more aware of the world around them. This belongingness leads to an increased level of confidence among viewers. They experience a certain level of comfort being part of a group, which in turn helps them share their thoughts and feelings more freely.
Escapism
What is escapism? It is a psychological phenomenon where people take a break from the real world to engage in fantasy. It could be watching a movie, reading a book or in this case, watching a web series. The best part about it is that you are not constantly reminded of your problems or issues. Web series are known to provide us with a sense of escapism. They help us distract our minds from everyday worries and anxieties. Even though some of them may be based on real-life events, they allow us to live the experience just like we are in the characters’ shoes. When you are engrossed in a web series, you are not focused on your problems. It helps you let go of your inhibitions and experience moments of intensity, joy, sadness, and giddiness.
State of otiose
Web series break the linear structure of the story, which makes it more engaging and interesting. As you go along with the story, you are not sure what is going to happen next. This uncertainty leads to what psychologists call the state of otium — a state of relaxation where you are free from external stimuli and completely engrossed in an activity. The unpredictability of web series makes them extremely engaging. They stimulate our senses and keep us focused on the screen. The viewers are not aware of what will happen next — they are waiting for the end to come. So the state of otium is attained by watching a web series. There is no regular pattern followed in a web series; it is more like a roller coaster ride where you experience a sudden rush of joy, followed by a period of calmness.
Binge-watching
Web series are like the cherry on the cake — they make the experience even better. While movies have always been great, series have been taking over the market recently. This may be attributed to the fact that series are being made more like movies, but with an extended format. A web series usually has an extended run time of 20–40 minutes, which means viewers can spend more time watching their favourite show without getting bored. There is something about binge-watching a web series; it brings out a feeling of satisfaction that you have experienced something for a long time. Binge-watching is the act of watching multiple episodes of a show in one sitting. This is more common with web series where even the extended episode is shorter than the usual feature-length episodes. You can watch two or three episodes at one go and experience the same rush you would feel after watching a movie. But when you are done with the entire season, a certain feeling of satisfaction comes over you.
Conclusion
Web series are more than just a bunch of actors playing different characters in a story; they involve our senses and emotions, hence their impact goes beyond the screen. They provide an opportunity to experience a variety of emotions and dive into different realities. Web series provides us with a sense of escapism, a sense of belongingness and an opportunity to experience a state of otium and binge-watching. These are a few things that make web series so popular among viewers.