Effects Of K-drama among College Going Girls

This M.Sc. dissertation examines the effects of K-drama consumption among college-going girls in Tiruchirappalli, India, using a quantitative survey of 300 undergraduate female students from Holy Cross College and Bishop Heber College. The study, guided by Cultivation Theory, investigates psychological, social, cultural, and educational impacts of K-drama viewing, finding that the majority of respondents (59%) use pirated apps to watch K-dramas, rarely watch with parents due to content sensitivity, and often imitate Korean lifestyles including food, hairstyles, and dressing. Statistical analysis revealed that light viewers experience higher stress, frustration, and anxiety when unable to watch compared to moderate and heavy viewers, while heavy viewers are more drawn to intimate content and prefer watching alone. The research concludes that K-dramas significantly influence romantic expectations (particularly among co-education students), language acquisition interest, and cultural perceptions, with the study noting both positive engagement with Korean culture and concerning negative effects including potential addiction patterns, unrealistic relationship expectations, and mental health impacts when viewing is disrupted—ultimately determining that K-dramas have adverse effects on this demographic.