In modern society, eating is no longer just about “filling the stomach.” The companionship at the dining table has gradually shifted from family and friends to screens. With the widespread use of smartphones, more and more people have developed the habit of watching videos while eating, creating a unique phenomenon—“dining videos.” Behind this behavior lies not only the demand for food but also insights into social, cultural, and psychological changes. Today, we explore this phenomenon and analyze how “digital side dishes” have become a dining companion, particularly for individuals with low vision, revealing its sociological, psychological, and accessibility-related significance.
1. The Origins and Popularity of Digital Side Dishes
The term “digital side dishes” originates from internet culture and refers to short video content that appears lightweight and mindless yet provides strong entertainment value. Much like how pickled vegetables act as a side dish, these videos serve as “seasoning” during meals, making people feel relaxed and engaged while eating.
This phenomenon is especially evident on short video platforms such as TikTok. These platforms provide a wide variety of content, including comedy, lifestyle, and food-related videos, allowing people to casually watch a short clip while eating and enjoy brief entertainment. Unlike traditional TV shows, these short videos are compact, easily accessible, and perfectly suited to the fast-paced nature of modern life.
2. The Psychological Needs Behind Dining Videos
Why do people love dining videos so much? There are several psychological factors at play.
First, eating is an inherently personal activity that goes beyond fulfilling biological needs—it is also about seeking comfort and relaxation. People tend to prefer lighthearted content while eating, avoiding topics that are too complex or anxiety-inducing. Short, humorous videos can instantly uplift moods, making them a preferred choice for meal-time entertainment.
Additionally, modern life is hectic, leaving many people with little time to unwind. Dining videos serve as a convenient way to combine mealtime with brief moments of relaxation. By blending food with video entertainment, people experience a “dual satisfaction” that nourishes both their physical and emotional well-being.
3. If You Can’t See, Do You Still Need Digital Side Dishes?
For individuals with blindness or low vision, traditional “dining videos” may not seem relevant. Since they do not rely on visual content, one might wonder whether they still need entertainment during meals. The answer is yes—just in a different form.
Even without visual engagement, sound, speech, and music can still serve as enjoyable “seasonings” during meals. Many people with blindness or low vision use audio entertainment such as podcasts, audiobooks, and radio shows to enrich their dining experience. These “audio side dishes” provide relaxation, engagement, and a sense of companionship, reducing feelings of isolation or monotony.
4. Do Low Vision and Blind People Need Their Own Version of Digital Side Dishes?
Absolutely. While individuals with blindness or low vision may not rely on visual entertainment in the same way others do, they can still benefit from personalized, accessible content.
Just as sighted people enjoy watching videos during meals, blind and low vision individuals can use audio content to make their dining experience more engaging. Audio-described content, storytelling platforms, and even AI-driven voice assistants can serve as alternatives to traditional dining videos, ensuring a more immersive and enjoyable meal-time experience.
For example, many streaming platforms now offer audio-described versions of movies and TV shows, making content more accessible. Additionally, smart speakers and voice-controlled devices allow users to listen to news, entertainment, and educational content while dining, ensuring they can participate in the digital entertainment culture in a way that suits their needs. Devices like Zoomax Snow Pad and Snow 12 also offer text-to-speech functionality, allowing users to listen to books and other written content in an audio format, making reading more accessible during meals or any other daily activities.
5. How to Balance the Use of Digital Side Dishes?
While dining videos provide entertainment and relaxation, excessive reliance on them can be problematic. Here are some ways to balance meal-time entertainment with mindfulness:
- Choose Content Wisely: Opt for content that is relaxing and beneficial rather than overstimulating or distracting.
- Set Mealtime as Dedicated Time: Treat mealtime as an independent, focused activity, rather than letting external distractions take over completely.
- Reduce Screen Dependency When Eating with Family or Friends: Even in a digital era, mealtime can be a valuable opportunity for real-life interaction and connection.
Conclusion: A New Way to Enjoy Meals for People with Low Vision
For individuals with low vision or blindness, enjoying a meal is not just about food—it is also about experiencing comfort, connection, and engagement. While traditional “dining videos” rely on visual content, digital side dishes can still be meaningful for those who rely on other senses. Audio entertainment, such as podcasts, storytelling, or accessible streaming content, can provide an enjoyable and immersive experience, making meals more engaging.
Rather than feeling isolated while eating, people with low vision can use audio-based “digital side dishes” to stay connected with the world, learn new things, or simply relax. By leveraging screen readers, accessible content, and smart audio devices, they can customize their dining experience just as others do with visual content.
Ultimately, whether through video or sound, dining is not just about consuming food—it is about enriching the experience in ways that bring joy, companionship, and relaxation. Instead of focusing on the limitations of vision, we can embrace the limitless possibilities of accessible entertainment, making every meal more enjoyable and engaging.
