Netflix: Public bingeing exposes private behaviours
November 15, 2017
Survey data from Netflix reveals 67 per cent of people will risk embarrassment, awkwardness and spoilers to watch their favourite shows and movies in public.
In a world with 2.4 billion smartphone users, mobile viewing is on the rise and ‘binge-free zones’ are a thing of the past. But as millions of people take full advantage of Netflix to stream and download anytime and anywhere, private binge behaviours are now on public display.
So why are 67 per cent of people globally willing to expose their entertainment emotions to watch outside their homes? Because public bingers rank having access to movies or shows higher than food and water as ‘essential’ items for travelling or commuting. Just be prepared that streaming Stranger Things while surrounded by strangers is making social norms go upside down. And catching someone snooping on your screen during a risqué scene or LOL’ing on a crowded train is the new normal.
We’re Being Watched While We’re Watching
Nearly half (45 per cent) of those watching on the go have caught a backseat binger snooping on their screen. But there’s no reason to call Chief Hopper – only 18 per cent of public bingers have felt embarrassed about what they’re watching and 77 per cent refuse to turn off their show or movie. There’s no shame in our stream game.
We’re Spoiling Shows for Screen Snoopers (Sorry!)
Screen snooping can have real consequences! Eleven per cent of public bingers have had a show or movie spoiled by seeing someone else’s screen. The risk is even greater if you plan to sneak a peak in South Korea where 24 per cent have suffered from spoilers.
We’re Being Interrupted By Strangers
More than a quarter (27 per cent) of public bingers have had a stranger interrupt their show or movie to start a conversation about what they’re watching. But that doesn’t mean we have to pull a Kingpin. Episode intruders are likely just jealous we remembered to download our shows before leaving the house.
We Wear Our Shows On Our Sleeves
No matter how meticulously we curate our lives on social media, there’s no filter for laughter or tears in real life. The majority of public bingers have laughed out loud and one in five have even cried while watching in public. Globally, Mexico, Colombia and Chile are the most outwardly emotional countries. Conversely, it’s unlikely to see a German bawling while they binge.
“Ultimately, a spoiled show or a steamy scene streamed with a stranger is worth the awkwardness if it means we get to keep watching what we love. So next time you’re packing your bags, don’t forget to pack your favourite binge, too,” recommends Netflix.