Eating while watching a show, scrolling through social media, or catching up on the latest viral videos has become so common that it’s easy to forget this wasn’t always the norm.
It’s interesting how quickly some of us went from sitting at the dinner table—maybe chatting with family or just focusing on the meal in front of us—to needing a screen in hand for every single bite.
From a psychological standpoint, it’s worth asking: Why do some people feel the need to consume media along with their meals?
And more importantly, what does this habit say about the underlying behaviors that drive them? Today, I’m going to explore seven behaviors commonly associated with folks who can’t seem to pick up a fork without also pressing “play.”
Let’s dive in.
1. They seek constant stimulation
Have you ever had the urge to fill every quiet moment in your day with something—anything—just to avoid boredom?
If so, you’ll understand why some people can’t eat a sandwich without also bingeing the latest episode of their favorite series. It’s about chasing stimulation 24/7.
For these individuals, the silence of a solo meal can feel disconcerting. They’re used to a constant influx of excitement and stories.
When mealtime arrives, it’s not just food they crave; it’s also the mental energy that comes from images, sounds, and narratives on a screen.
The issue is that sometimes this means they’re rarely present in the moment. Their attention is split between the forkful of pasta in their mouth and the drama unfolding on-screen.
I remember one weekend when I decided to “unplug” completely—no phone, no laptop, no TV. Sitting down to eat in silence felt surreal at first, like my brain didn’t know what to do if it wasn’t multitasking.
But after the initial discomfort passed, I noticed flavors more vividly and felt genuinely relaxed. It’s that contrast that highlights how strong the pull of stimulation can be and why it becomes a go-to habit for so many.
2. They tend to multitask (but not always effectively)
It’s easy to assume that watching something while eating equals efficient multitasking: You knock out lunch and that new Netflix series simultaneously, right? Not exactly.
While these folks love the feeling of multitasking, the reality is that it’s often more about splitting attention than genuinely doing multiple tasks well.
Psychology research has repeatedly suggested that multitasking can reduce the quality of attention we pay to each activity. We only have so much cognitive bandwidth, and when we spread it too thin, neither the meal nor the show gets the full experience.
Still, the habit can be comforting if you’re convinced you’re being “productive.”
A friend of mine swears he can’t finish dinner without also skimming through work emails. But every now and then, he realizes he hit “reply all” on something that he shouldn’t have or missed a crucial detail in the message.
That little slip-up is a pretty strong reminder that engaging in two things at once doesn’t make you a productivity champion—quite the opposite, at times.
3. They use entertainment to combat stress
Food is comforting; so is entertainment. Put them together, and it can feel like a double shot of relief after a long day.
For many people, watching something while eating becomes an emotional coping mechanism. Stress, anxiety, or worry get temporarily pushed aside by an engaging storyline or a hilarious stand-up special.
This is backed by experts like Rory Sutherland, who has noted how small distractions can help shift our focus away from stressors. When you’re engrossed in a show, your mind wanders away from the day’s troubles—at least for a while.
The downside? Over time, this can become a “default mode” for unwinding, making it tough to enjoy a meal without external input.
If you always rely on a screen to calm your nerves, you might not develop healthier ways to deal with stress, such as practicing mindful eating, meditating, or even chatting with a friend.
One day, you might suddenly find yourself unable to switch off your anxious thoughts unless you have a phone or TV in front of you.
4. They can be less mindful about their food choices
Picture this scenario: You’re halfway through a 20-minute YouTube video. In front of you is a bowl of snacks.
Before you know it, you look down and realize you’ve devoured the entire thing. Sound familiar? When our eyes and ears are glued to a screen, we tend to eat on autopilot.
Psychologists studying eating habits often talk about “mindful eating”—that is, paying attention to hunger cues, savoring flavors, and recognizing when you’re actually full.
Constant screen-watching while eating can disrupt that process. Instead of relishing the taste and texture of your food, you’re primarily focused on your show. It’s a classic case of “Where did my meal go?”—a direct outcome of divided attention.
I’ve mentioned this before but excessive digital consumption can lead to mindless habits. We see it not just in the way we browse social media but in how we handle basic life activities, like eating.
And while it’s not inherently wrong to enjoy a favorite series with dinner, there’s a difference between occasional entertainment and never putting down the phone or tablet throughout the entire meal.
5. They may struggle with being alone with their thoughts
For some of us, alone time can feel uncomfortable, especially during activities that traditionally involve little external stimulation—like chewing your lunch.
That discomfort can drive people to rely on entertainment as a buffer against their own thoughts.
Sitting quietly, even for just ten minutes, can force us to confront worries or stressors we’ve been pushing away. By turning on a show, we keep those thoughts at bay.
However, experts suggest that learning to handle a little solitude can significantly boost emotional health. Being okay with our own thoughts is part of developing self-awareness and emotional resilience.
I have a close friend who used to joke that she was terrified of hearing her own inner voice. Over time, she started practicing short mindful breaks—no phone, no music, just a quiet stroll or a silent lunch—and found that it drastically improved her anxiety.
It was a process, though, because she realized how deep-rooted her habit was of needing external noise.
6. They often prefer social connection, even when alone
Another fascinating aspect is how screens can feel like a stand-in for social interaction.
Even if you’re watching a fictional character, the human brain registers voices and faces as if there’s someone else in the room.
It can be a comfort, especially if you live alone or if your usual mealtime companions aren’t around.
Dale Carnegie wrote, “There is no sweeter sound to anyone’s ear than the sound of their own name.” While that’s true in the context of human interaction, it’s also indicative of how social we are by nature. We crave connection.
If you’re dining solo, pressing play on a show might mimic the warmth of having another person’s company—particularly if the show involves conversation or laughter.
The challenge appears when you become so used to digital companionship that genuine human connection starts to take a backseat.
If you’re in a full house but still can’t separate from your screen at the dinner table, you could be missing out on face-to-face interaction that’s key to maintaining deeper relationships.
7. They develop ritualistic habits around meals and screens
Last but not least, this habit can become a ritual—so ingrained that turning on the TV or opening YouTube right before biting into a sandwich feels almost ceremonial.
Over time, the pleasure centers in the brain link the act of watching something to the act of eating. It’s not just a random choice; it’s a learned behavior your mind and body come to expect.
When your routine is to always watch something while you eat, you might feel slightly off or irritated if circumstances don’t allow it (like a restaurant with no Wi-Fi).
This ritual can provide a sense of comfort and predictability. But it can also lock you into a pattern where you no longer appreciate the simple act of eating without external entertainment.
Breaking away from such a routine might feel jarring at first, yet it can lead to rediscovering the inherent pleasure of a quiet or socially engaged meal.
Putting it all together
Whether it’s Netflix, YouTube, or your phone’s newsfeed, many of us have made media consumption an automatic side dish to our meals.
Here at DM News, we understand the pull—after all, the digital world is compelling, and it’s only getting more immersive. There’s no judgment in acknowledging that these behaviors exist. In fact, they’re quite common in our hyper-connected age.
What’s crucial is recognizing the role that constant stimulation, perceived multitasking, stress relief, mindless eating, an aversion to solitude, a desire for social connection—even if it’s virtual—and the power of habit all play in shaping this behavior.
By understanding the psychological forces at work, we can decide more consciously whether we want to keep combining entertainment with dining or if we’d like to try a different approach from time to time.
If you’re someone who always needs a screen in front of you at mealtime, give some thought to what you’re getting out of it—and what you might be missing.
Does it serve you well, or do you find yourself feeling disconnected from your food, your thoughts, or the people around you? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but awareness is a step toward a healthier balance.
After all, sometimes the quietest moments can teach us the most—about our food, our feelings, and ourselves.
