Netflix, a streaming platform, encourages people to binge-watch shows. Netflix has transformed television consumption by prioritising binge-watching, which is integral to its brand identity and framework. Although viewers have binge-watched since the advent of time-shifting devices, Netflix deliberately promoted and organised its service to accommodate this consumption trend. The platform provides unparalleled viewer autonomy via self-scheduling while concurrently directing selections through its algorithm. In contrast to conventional DVD viewing, which includes supplementary features and menus, Netflix prioritises a “pure” viewing experience that is characterised by minimal interruptions (Jenner, 2018). Unlike television, Netflix does not display advertisements when viewers are streaming.

Netflix’s ability to keep audiences binge-watching demonstrates its recognition that users favour control over their watching tempo rather than content ownership (Jenner, 2018). Therefore, watching time becomes flexible, and more and more people adjust it based on their daily activities and work schedules. Netflix has made people’s lives easier and more convenient when it comes to enjoying the shows. Below shows how Netflix demonstrates unlimited shows based on viewers intrests. 

Furthermore, Netflix has innovated a feature known as the “season dump” strategy, which releases entire seasons for instant access, allowing viewers to watch all episodes at once (Lotz, 2017). This strategy has successfully kept people on the site for a long period, as most of the shows are addictive and connected to the previous episodes they were watching. Many people tend to stay at home all day just to finish the show. 

In conclusion, Netflix contributes to binge-watching. Some people may argue that Netflix contributes to binge-watching by increasing people’s addiction to shows, but in my opinion, individuals should exercise self-awareness and self-control over the amount of time they spend on the website. On the other hand, even without Netflix, other activities can lead to screen addiction, such as gaming, so I believe it ultimately depends on the individual’s ability to exercise self-control.

References-

Lotz, A.D. (2017). Theorising the Nonlinear Distinction of Internet-Distributed Television’, Portals, Portals: A Treatise on Internet-Distributed Television. [online] Available at: https://quod.lib.umich.edu/m/maize/mpub9699689/ 

Netflix (2024). Netflix. [online] Netflix.com. Available at: https://www.netflix.com/browse.

Jin, L.S. (2023). BEEF. [online] Netflix.com. Available at: https://www.netflix.com/watch/81497213?trackId=14170289&tctx=1%2C0%2C8333612c-1b2a-40ec-b58d-26cc9513f896-51957583%2CNES_42A33310BCA17BC8C9B5195D3AE0FD-994911DC4F528C-91F913847D_p_1730029317166%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C81447461%2CVideo%3A81497213%2C detailsPageEpisodePlayButton  [Accessed 27 Oct. 2024].

Jenner, M 2018, chapter 6 Introduction: Binge-Watching Netflix. 

Netflix and the Re-Invention of Television, Springer International Publishing AG, Cham. Available from: ProQuest Ebook Central. [15 November 2024].

Written by Meng Hsin Kuo (33755528) 16/11/2024