Can Too Much TV Be a Problem for Migrants?

When you’re living in a new country, binge-watching TV can feel like a lifesaver. It’s comforting to stream your favourite shows from back home—it’s like a warm hug after a long day. But, like most things, too much of it isn’t great. Spending hours glued to the screen might mean missing out on the best parts of your new life.

The Good Side: Familiar Shows Feel Like Home

Let’s face it, moving to a new country is stressful. Watching your favourite shows from back home can make you feel less lonely. It’s like keeping a small piece of your culture close, especially when everything around you feels unfamiliar. Whether you’re diving into the latest K-dramas, Bollywood hits, or even your childhood cartoons, it’s a great way to unwind.

Streaming platforms like Netflix, Hotstar, or YouTube make it so easy to access content from home. And it’s not just entertaining—it helps you stay connected to your roots.

The Problem with Too Much Screen Time

Sure, watching familiar shows feels great, but spending too much time in front of a screen can stop you from fully settling into your new environment. Studies show that excessive screen time is linked to issues like stress, anxiety, and poor sleep. For example, a study published in the journal Preventive Medicine found that higher screen time is associated with increased odds of depression and anxiety in youth.

It’s not just about mental health—excessive TV can also mean missing out on real-life connections. The Stanford Center on Longevity explains that too much screen time can lead to feeling isolated, which makes it harder to build friendships and adapt to your new life.

For migrants, this could mean spending less time exploring, meeting people, or getting involved in local activities. Joining community events and connecting with others are key to feeling at home and reducing loneliness. A review in the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities highlights how being socially connected improves the well-being and happiness of migrants settling into new places.

Real Stories: Mixing Familiar with Local

Take Aditya, for example. He’s an Indian migrant living in Sydney. “At first, I only watched Bollywood movies because it reminded me of home,” he says. “But then I started watching Australian shows like MasterChef Australia. It helped me understand local culture and even gave me conversation starters with my coworkers!”

Trang, a student from Vietnam, also found balance. She alternated between her favourite Vietnamese dramas and Aussie documentaries like War on Waste. “It was fun learning about Australia while staying connected to my roots,” she shared.

How to Find the Right Balance

Here are some tips to enjoy TV without letting it take over your life:

1. Try Local Shows: Platforms like SBS On Demand and ABC iView have tons of Australian content. Watching them can help you learn about local traditions, humour, and even slang!
2. Mix It Up: Alternate between your favourite shows from home and local content. For example, you could watch a Bollywood film one day and an Australian cooking show the next.
3. Get Out More: Set some screen time limits and spend more time outdoors. Explore your new city, join a club, or attend community events.
4. Make It Social: Watch shows with family or friends. It’s a fun way to bond and might even lead to discovering new favourites.

Binge-watching can be a great way to feel at home in a new country but don’t let it stop you from experiencing all the amazing things around you. By mixing familiar content with local shows and balancing your screen time, you can enjoy the best of both worlds—comfort from home and the excitement of something new.

Ready to dive into more tips about life in Australia? Check out our living in Australia article for more helpful advice!