Many Thais — especially in the rush of urban life, from Bangkok’s crowded condos to Chiang Mai’s hip cafés — have become fond of a particular modern routine: eating every meal with a screen in view. Whether it’s catching up on a K-drama over lunch, scrolling through TikTok with pad kra pao, or squeezing in a YouTube video between bites of tom yum goong, more and more people are combining food and digital media. But what does this say about our personalities and well-being? Recent research, highlighted in a feature from VegOut magazine, points to seven distinct personality traits common among people who can’t seem to eat without watching something, offering valuable insight for Thai readers navigating today’s always-connected lifestyle (VegOut).
This new understanding matters deeply for Thailand, where the penetration of smartphones, affordable internet, and entertainment apps has redefined daily rituals, even at the dinner table. According to the National Statistical Office, Thai households boast one of the region’s highest rates of screen device usage, and the trend toward “screen-time dining” is particularly pronounced among younger Thais and urban professionals. Recognizing the psychology behind this behavior, rather than simply blaming digital “addiction,” is key to fostering healthier, more mindful habits in our rapidly changing society.
Researchers and psychologists point out that dining while watching a screen is rarely about laziness or mere distraction. Instead, it reflects a deeper interplay of personality traits and habitual coping mechanisms. First among these is a strong craving for mental stimulation, even during periods traditionally reserved for rest. For many, sitting in silence feels empty or uncomfortable—so streaming a series or revisiting favorite music videos becomes a way to stay gently engaged at all times. This links to the psychological concept of “optimal stimulation level,” which describes how people self-regulate sensory input. Those who gravitate toward eating-with-watching tend to have a higher threshold for stimulation, seeking to fill quiet moments with narrative, music, or imagery rather than pure stillness.
Secondly, there is the potent association of food with comfort and media with escape. Thai cuisine has always played a central role in communal bonding and emotional soothing—from eating boat noodles with family to solo dining in malls. People who pair eating with watching are, in essence, stacking two forms of comfort: food for the body and stimulating content for the mind. Notably, Dr. Susan Albers, a clinical psychologist and eating behavior expert cited in the article, observes that multitasking during meals provides “a false sense of productivity or escape,” while at the same time disconnecting us from actually experiencing our food and bodies in the present moment.
This leads to a third pattern: a habitual disconnect from bodily hunger signals. Countless studies — including those published in the Journal of Health Psychology — confirm that splitting attention during meals dulls our capacity to recognize satiety. People who chronically eat with a screen may find themselves finishing meals without tasting much, or consuming more than they intended, simply because their “internal cues” have been overridden by external distraction (Journal of Health Psychology). This phenomenon is reinforced among people who, according to personality research, exhibit “externally oriented thinking,” a trait linked to the psychological term alexithymia, meaning a tendency to process emotions using outside information instead of introspection.
Fourth, the impulse to combine meals with media is tied to what researchers call micro-escapism. Rather than seeking a total withdrawal from daily life, many people use brief bouts of content — a quick sitcom episode, a five-minute game stream — as a way to buffer transitional moments, stave off loneliness, or manage low-level anxiety. While nearly all Thais have engaged in micro-escapism (think: grabbing the phone at a street food stall while waiting to be served), the pattern is particularly ingrained in those who cannot eat without entertainment.
Fifth is the deeply ingrained habit-drive of such individuals. In Thailand, routines and rituals are imbued with meaning, from early-morning merit-making to sipping afternoon cha yen. The habit of eating with a screen often becomes a comfort loop — a form of modern ritual that helps people feel grounded amid otherwise hectic days. Breaking such a loop can even trigger mild irritation, not due to stubbornness but because the disruption threatens an established sense of stability. As renowned behavioral scientist BJ Fogg put it, “Habits are easier to build when they fit into your life and solve a problem you care about.”
A sixth trait is natural curiosity—and, paradoxically, a tendency toward overstimulation. Individuals who need media with their meals are often those who enjoy learning, exploring, and absorbing new information, even during the most mundane tasks. This is the kind of person likely to chase Wikipedia rabbit holes after a documentary or try to learn a few new English words while eating kao man gai. Yet, because their brains crave constant input, they risk becoming overstimulated and mentally fatigued, so the entertainment chosen is often light, repetitive, and non-challenging (for example, old comedy clips or familiar playlists) — striking a balance between mental engagement and relaxation.
Finally, those who habitually merge meals with media often struggle with transitions: the shift from work to rest, or from solitary activity to social engagement. Screens provide a psychological buffer, gently nudging the brain from one mode to another, whether it’s marking the end of a stressful meeting or soothing the awkwardness of eating alone. Many Thais, especially students and office workers, report using a favorite series or clip as a “signal” to pause and recharge, serving as a modern equivalent of old family rituals where the television news marked the start of dinner in countless Thai homes.
Expert opinions echo the nuanced perspective provided in the VegOut article. Clinical psychologists, behavioral scientists, and nutrition experts agree that while eating with a screen is not inherently “bad”—and is nearly universal in modern societies—it does warrant mindful reflection. As one Thai university psychologist explained to the Bangkok Post, “Our bodies and minds crave structure and meaning. Integrating technology and food is natural, but we lose something when we forget to listen to ourselves, to savor both the meal and the company—real or virtual.”
For Thailand, this issue resonates in particular ways due to cultural values surrounding food and social interaction. The tradition of shared meals, for instance, is at the heart of everything from Songkran gatherings to daily markets. However, current trends indicate more Thais are eating alone, particularly in urban areas, and using their screens as “virtual companions.” This parallels findings in other countries, but with unique Thai flavors: the rapid transition to remote work and study, the influence of Korean and Japanese pop culture on media habits, and the ongoing transformation of family structures in the digital era (Bangkok Post: Tech habits in Thai youth).
The historical roots of meal rituals in Thailand offer both caution and inspiration. Elderly Thais recall when eating together without distractions was the norm—an occasion for sharing stories, jokes, or quiet contemplation. Yet, technology is not necessarily the enemy of connection; rather, it is our unconscious relationship to it that matters. Public health experts warn of potential side effects of distracted eating, including overeating and reduced mental well-being, as established by the Thai Department of Health in campaigns promoting mindful eating and screen-free family meals (Thai Department of Health).
Looking ahead, food and media researchers predict the trend of multitasking mealtime will only increase as virtual reality, on-demand streaming, and interactive content become standard in Thai homes. However, some experts are optimistic about the rise of “mindful tech,” such as guided eating meditation apps and video content that encourages sensory awareness rather than pure distraction. Initiatives like school-based education on healthy media use and campaigns promoting “digital detox” dining nights are also beginning to take root in Thai schools and workplaces.
What’s the practical takeaway for Thai readers navigating this landscape? First, recognize that eating with a screen is a widespread, deeply human pattern, not a flaw. But take the opportunity to become more aware: are you seeking stimulation, comfort, habit, or simply avoiding silence? Try experimenting with one screen-free meal a day, or try noticing the first few bites before pressing play. For families, encourage conversations—however brief—around the table, and model mindful eating habits for children, even as you enjoy your favorite vlogs or dramas at other times. Urban dwellers might consider “shared solo” experiences, such as community tables in cafés that foster light conversation, blending the best of tradition and modernity.
Ultimately, the digital dining habit need not be vilified, but understood and balanced. By reflecting on these seven personality traits, Thai readers can better understand their own routines—and, perhaps, rediscover the simple joys of a meal truly tasted, in good company or in peaceful solitude.
Sources:
VegOut | Journal of Health Psychology | Bangkok Post: Tech habits in Thai youth | Thai Department of Health