Convergence of soap operas
Radio -> Television -> Internet

As the soap opera changes media, the actual dynamic of watching them changes as well.
The internet becomes more of a solitary activity, and increases the amount of obsession. Television and radio can be group activities, but the internet is generally only accessed by one person at a time.
Internet is immediate, so a person can spend an entire day looking at show after show. There are many forums and message board with large communities, which provide a sense of belonging for obsessed fans. However, when it gets the point of obsession, spending hours every day looking at plot summaries and message boards, there is very little that is beneficial.