International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

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The Displacement Hypothesis in the OTT Era: How Binge-watching Erodes Adolescent Sleep, "Green Time," and Socialization

Author(s) Ms. Jaya Bhatt, Dr Juhi Saxena
Country India
Abstract This Paper examines the profound transformation of childhood and adolescent development in the modern digital age, primarily driven by the ubiquitous shift toward algorithmically curated Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms. Due to a neurodevelopmental mismatch between the early-maturing limbic system and the later-developing prefrontal cortex, adolescents are uniquely vulnerable to the dopamine-driven design mechanics of these platforms, which encourage compulsive consumption and binge-watching. By synthesizing empirical data from global landmark studies between 2023 and 2025 including reports from the WHO, UNICEF, and Johns Hopkins University the research highlights a critical paradigm shift: the specific nature of the content consumed (such as violent, "dark," or hyper-sexualized narratives) and the mechanics of platform engagement are far stronger predictors of mental distress than aggregate screen time. Furthermore, utilizing the Displacement Hypothesis, the paper demonstrates that heavy digital immersion crowds out essential developmental behaviours, significantly eroding restorative sleep architecture and physical "green time," which correlates strongly with rising rates of depression, anxiety, and profound socialization deficits. The impact of this digital ecosystem is further moderated by individual pre-existing vulnerabilities, gender-specific pathways, and parental mediation styles. Ultimately, the research argues against purely restrictive "screen time" limitations, advocating instead for the cultivation of adolescent digital resilience, active parental mediation, and platform "Safety-by-Design" regulations to mitigate harm and foster healthier digital diets.
Keywords ABSTRACT This Paper examines the profound transformation of childhood and adolescent development in the modern digital age, primarily driven by the ubiquitous shift toward algorithmically curated Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms. Due to a neurodevelopmental mismatch between the early-maturing limbic system and the later-developing prefrontal cortex, adolescents are uniquely vulnerable to the dopamine-driven design mechanics of these platforms, which encourage compulsive consumption and binge-watching. By synthesizing empirical data from global landmark studies between 2023 and 2025 including reports from the WHO, UNICEF, and Johns Hopkins University the research highlights a critical paradigm shift: the specific nature of the content consumed (such as violent, "dark," or hyper-sexualized narratives) and the mechanics of platform engagement are far stronger predictors of mental distress than aggregate screen time. Furthermore, utilizing the Displacement Hypothesis, the paper demonstrates that heavy digital immersion crowds out essential developmental behaviours, significantly eroding restorative sleep architecture and physical "green time," which correlates strongly with rising rates of depression, anxiety, and profound socialization deficits. The impact of this digital ecosystem is further moderated by individual pre-existing vulnerabilities, gender-specific pathways, and parental mediation styles. Ultimately, the research argues against purely restrictive "screen time" limitations, advocating instead for the cultivation of adolescent digital resilience, active parental mediation, and platform "Safety-by-Design" regulations to mitigate harm and foster healthier digital diets.
Published In Volume 8, Issue 2, March-April 2026
Published On 2026-03-29
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i02.72970
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