When Does Binge-Watching Help? Informal Learning,Viewing Intensity,and Job-Search Readiness Among Graduating University Students

Abstract

This study integrates social learning theory and the Uses and Gratifications framework to examine binge-watching intensity and job-search readiness among graduating students. In a three-wave survey (N = 250), low-to-moderate binge-watching of workplace dramas was associated with lower job-search anxiety and higher job-search self-efficacy, but these benefits attenuated as viewing intensity increased. Learning motivation emerged as a key boundary condition: higher intensity was associated with lower anxiety and higher self-efficacy only when learning motivation was high. Mediated moderation results further indicated an indirect association with job-search quality through self-efficacy, but not anxiety. These findings highlight the conditional value of learning-oriented media use for vocational anticipatory socialization.