Why we can’t stop watching people cook

This article explores the psychological appeal of watching online cooking videos, even among viewers who have no intention of cooking the recipes themselves. The author suggests that this 'food voyeurism' provides a sense of comfort and relaxation in an increasingly stressful digital world.
Why it matters
It highlights shifting media consumption habits and the role of sensory-focused content in modern digital engagement.
The average person now spends well over two hours a day on social media. A staggering statistic, and millions of those hours are spent watching complete strangers cooking in their home kitchens. Now logic would suggest these are people looking for inspiration or to learn a new skill, but fascinatingly, most people watching recipes never cook them, or cook at all, for that matter.
The article is a personal reflection on cultural trends without political or ideological framing.
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