The New Social Event
This exponential increase in television watching has had tremendous influence on social activities worldwide. Prior to Netflix becoming mainstream, it was common to see couples going out to a movie theater on a date. It was common to see family picnics at the local park. It was common to witness middle schoolers playing football after school in the open field between houses. These activities have had a major decrease in popularity ever since Netflix came into the picture.With its long-tail inventory of TV shows and movies, commercial-free viewing experience, and “post play” seamless episode delivery, Netflix is changing viewers’ expectations concerning what, how, and when they watch TV. As a result, viewers not surprisingly are watching more television, including in larger doses at a time.
-Sidneyeve Matrix, "The Netflix Effect: Teens, Binge Watching, and On-Demand Digital Media Trends"
Why drive to a movie theatre to watch a film with your boyfriend/girlfriend when you can watch almost any film at the comfort of you own home? Why take your family to the park to eat when you can gather around your smart TV and put on a Netflix show while having dinner? Why play football outside with your friends from school when you can watch a whole season of Blue Mountain State?
These are the questions that have led Netflix to become one of America's favorite things to do when with other people. It has altered the image of a typical date, family meal, and hangout.
