Television consumption constitutes a significant aspect of media consumption in Western culture. Similar to other high-consumption lifestyles, habitual television viewing is often driven by a pursuit of pleasure, escapism, or psychological numbing (sometimes described as "anesthetization"). Excessive television engagement has been compared to behavioral addictions, as it may align with established diagnostic criteria for addictive disorders, including impaired functioning in occupational, academic, or domestic settings. Research suggests that negative psychological, social, or physical consequences may arise from prolonged or compulsive consumption.