Why Netflix’s “Battle Camp” Is Psychologically

Experts Featured in This Article:

Thea Gallagher, PsyD, is a clinical assistant professor at NYU Langone Health and a cohost of the “Mind in View” podcast.

Hillary Ammon, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist at the Center for Anxiety and Women's Emotional Wellness.

Aaron Brinen, PsyD, is assistant professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Jaime Zuckerman, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist based in Pennsylvania.

So, Why Do We Love Watching Physical Challenge Shows?

There are a few reasons why we get so hooked on these shows. “TV is generally some form of escape,” says Thea Gallagher, PsyD, a clinical assistant professor at NYU Langone Health and a cohost of the “Mind in View” podcast. “Reality TV adds an extra layer, where you can see yourself in these individuals.”

Watching people do physical challenges is something humans have loved for centuries, Dr. Gallagher points out. “It goes back to the Colosseum in ancient Rome,” she says. “There's something inherently entertaining about watching people do challenges.”

These shows also tap into our competitive nature, says Hillary Ammon, PsyD, a clinical psychologist at the Center For Anxiety and Women's Emotional Wellness. “As humans, we are a competitive bunch. Many are avid sports fans, whether it be soccer, football, or following along with their nation's Olympic team,” she says. Watching competitions can put you through a mix of emotions, including stress, Dr. Ammon says. “Whether it is rooting for someone specifically, or rooting against someone, we like competition,” she adds.

We also just get a little pleasure out of seeing people go through challenges as a fly on the wall, says Aaron Brinen, PsyD assistant professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

But these shows also tend to push the boundaries of what the human body can do, Dr. Brinen points out. “It's exhilarating to watch,” Dr. Brinen says.

What Happens to the Body When We Watch These Shows?

Physical reality competition shows are designed to draw you in, and your body and mind can respond to what you see on the screen. “You get a hit of dopamine,” says Jaime Zuckerman PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist based in Pennsylvania. (Dopamine is a hormone that's released in response to pleasurable experiences, she explains. It also helps reinforce behaviors, pushing you to come back for more.)

“You have no control over the outcome and you never know what you'll get,” Dr. Zuckerman says. “There's a constant feeling of excitement and it feels good.”

These shows can also make you feel a little stressed, adds Dr. Ammon. “Whether you realize it or not, it can sometimes evoke fear related to the uncertainty of the tasks and put the viewer in a state of fight or flight,” she says. “Because of this, viewers may become more engaged, with the hope of seeing the outcome—and the hope that it will bring a sense of calm afterward.”

There's even a sense of belonging and connectedness that can come from watching these shows, Brinen says. “It's a collective experience, online and in person,” he says. “People will say, ‘Did you see this thing that happened?' and ‘Here's what I think will happen next,' but usually no one knows. It's fun to come together around that.”

Are These Shows Ever Bad For You?

These shows are usually harmless, Dr. Gallagher says. “They provide an escape from the world, which we all need,” she says. But it's also possible to have too much of a good thing.

“If you have a personal problem with the amount of these shows that you're watching, that's something to consider,” she says.Dr. Ammon also says you may feel “wound up” after watching shows like this, which can make it hard to get to sleep if you check them out before bed. “It may be beneficial to limit how many episodes you watch at once or not watch prior to bed,” she says.

If you feel like you're clocking too much time in front of the TV watching “Battle Camp” or a similar show, Dr. Gallagher recommends setting a reasonable goal to cut back, like watching one episode at a time instead of two or more.

But overall, she says these shows are a lot of fun for people. “Sometimes there's this idea that reality TV is trash and other high-brow TV is better, but TV is TV,” Dr. Gallagher says. “It's OK to watch good, fun escapist TV sometimes.”

Korin Miller is a writer specializing in general wellness, health, and lifestyle trends. Her work has appeared in Women's Health, Self, Health, Forbes, and more.