Jean-Sébastien Marcoux from HEC Montreal held a talk at our department on the experience of excess in consumption. Specifically, he presented an ethnographic analysis of binge TV watching, which is an experience characterized by unbridled indulgence and driven by the passion for more.

Drawing on the anthropological literature on binge consumption and literary studies on excess, exaggeration, and carnival, his research shows that binge TV watching has become a common form of mainstream media consumption that changes the ways in which people consume TV serials and media products and provides viewers with a heightened experience. Interestingly, his approach enriches our understanding of the experience of excess with novel insights beyond the confines of psychopathology and immorality.

We thank Jean-Sébastien for his visit, as well as for the engaging talk he shared with us. For information on the upcoming guest speakers at the Research Seminar Series, please check the agenda.