“Just one more episode.”
These are infamous words that almost every Netflix user has uttered at least once in his or her lifetime, as there is only 15 seconds to make a decision before the next episode automatically begins.
In a day and age when technology has taken over, Netflix remains the leading online multimedia network. According to the Netflix Media Center, its number of new subscribers rose nearly 20 percent from the count in 2013, totaling 13 million at the end of 2014. The database now serves over 57 million users worldwide.
From the website or mobile app, viewers are able to navigate through the hours of movies and episodes that Netflix offers for a flat monthly fee of $7.99, depending on the type of service.
With access to Netflix in over 50 countries, more than 2 billion hours of TV shows and movies are being viewed each month.
Unlike traditional television, Netflix can be enjoyed whenever Internet is available and the service accommodates all ages by providing a wide range of commercial-free shows for both children and adults.
In a generation of “we want it and we want it now,” Netflix is ideal for many TV and movie lovers, but the question is, have viewers become too addicted? Is Netflix causing people to neglect their lives while they are glued to their screens?
The problem seems to be hitting viewers the most in the form of binge watching. In 2013, Harris Interactive, a market research firm, conducted a survey among 1,500 TV streamers on behalf of Netflix. The survey discovered that 61 percent of streamers participated in binge watching regularly.
According to the survey, “A majority (73 percent) defined binge watching as consuming between 2-6 episodes of the same TV show in one sitting.”
The reasoning behind binge watching was that viewers now have control over when and what they watch. They are no longer confined to the restrictions of the television networks that determine which shows or movies will air and at what times.
Aside from the amount of control viewers now have, 76 percent of users agree that Netflix is a good distraction from a busy schedule. However, even as this seems to be the best thing that ever happened to TV viewers, it also has its negative effects.
Instead of completing important tasks such as work or school, many young adults are mesmerized by the computer monitor and their favorite sitcom character.
“If I didn’t watch Netflix, I would probably study more and procrastinate less,” said junior art major Beth Benson.
Not only can binge watching affect both social and work lives, it can also hurt overall health, especially sleep patterns.
Undeclared freshman Katrina Williams explains that her sleeping habits suffer most when watching Netflix. In order to reduce binge watching, Williams will decide prior to consuming Netflix how many episodes she will watch and what time she will shut off either the movie or show.
This is a good way to avoid binge watching. If you set a time frame in which you are allowed to watch, you will prevent overindulging.
Another good way to stop yourself from binge watching is by disabling the auto-play feature on Netflix. This will prevent the next episode from automatically starting once the previous one ends.
Our generation is consumed by instantaneous media in the forms of news, music, movies and especially TV shows. Although Netflix can cure boredom for a low price, it ultimately won’t allow you to accomplish the most important things in life.
As with everything, moderation is key, and sometimes you just have to say “no” to one more episode.