Comparing my TV habits to my partner’s I came to the conclusion that following sports is actually very similar to following a soap opera or reality show: you as the viewer are trying to predict the dynamics between the characters and what the outcome will be from a limited selection of possible outcomes. I think it’s the combination of it being unpredictable - you don’t know who will win - but also bounded in terms of possibilities (someone is going to win). That combination lets you kind of switch off your brain while watching it whilst at the same time being pure drama.
Not sure if that makes sense but thanks for reading my wacky theory!
I had a very similar experience.
Comparing my TV habits to my partner’s I came to the conclusion that following sports is actually very similar to following a soap opera or reality show: you as the viewer are trying to predict the dynamics between the characters and what the outcome will be from a limited selection of possible outcomes. I think it’s the combination of it being unpredictable - you don’t know who will win - but also bounded in terms of possibilities (someone is going to win). That combination lets you kind of switch off your brain while watching it whilst at the same time being pure drama.
Not sure if that makes sense but thanks for reading my wacky theory!
No, this is how my wife describes it, lol.