Binge-watching: Down the rabbit hole

We all know how it happens, you start watching a video and then the app you’re using suggests a similar one and you click on it, and then another one, and another one. And BOOM! Before you know it, just like Alice in Wonderland, it feels like you've gone down the rabbit hole and found yourself somewhere entirely different and sometimes just a little bit weird.

This is because video platforms use information about what you've watched already, and what other people have watched, to have a best guess at what to show you next. And they don't always get things right, as it's not usually a human doing the choosing.

So before you know it, you're getting suggestions that are quite different to the videos you started out on.

But how do you get things back on track if you find yourself watching some odd stuff? Here are some top tips to help.

If you see something that makes you feel uncomfortable and that doesn’t feel right, you can hit the unlike button. This will help the platform to understand that you don’t want to watch similar content and you’ll be less likely to get these suggestions.

After you’ve found yourself watching some odd stuff, think about it critically. Was it telling the truth? Was it pushing an idea? Was it trying to shock you or sell you something?

It's worth stopping for a second and doing some research. If you’re having a hard time telling the real facts, talk to an adult and check out the BBC's The Other Side Of The Story.

Though it starts as fun, you could easily find yourself binge-watching for hours. And that’s not good. So try to keep track of how much time you spend online and take regular breaks.

Do you want to find out if you need some time off the screen? Then take this Own it quiz to see if you could do with a digital detox. 

And lastly, if you’ve come across some distressing content and you are feeling uncomfortable or uneasy, talk to a trusted adult who will be able to help you out.

If you are unsure who to speak to and feel you need help right away, then you can call Childline any time of day on 0800 11 11.