It became apparent to me lately that like millions of people in the world, Netflix has taken over my life in more ways than one. It really does creep up on you without you realizing the implications of what it does to your relationships and social life. In more than one (ok, a few) cases, what started as curiosity about a television series turned into hours of back-to-back episode watching. When you finally come up for air you realize that it’s dark outside and you’ve neglected all your social and personal responsibilities.
While I’m all about a great television series (believe me I am), it’s safe to say that without caution, Netflix can wreak havoc on your relationships. A recently coined term “Netflix adultery” was introduced to describe couples who are in a situation where one partner decides to watch episodes ahead of their partner. After all, nothing connects a couple more than sitting silently beside each other and binge watching a series together right? This is clearly a sign of betrayal for 51% of couples surveyed (serious business). Even when couples subscribe to watching different shows on Netflix are subject to sense of isolation and partners are not connecting the way they should be.
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If you’re single, this poses an even more primary question of how are you suppose to meet someone if you’re stuck inside your house glued to your ipad or apple TV binge watching? I must admit it’s easier said than done especially when Netflix gives you a 15 second prompt at the end of each episode in which you will have to inevitably decide what you will do with your life today. Most of us succumb to watching just “one more episode”.
If you’ve sworn off finding a partner, post breakup, staying in on a rainy day or just feeling sick (all great excuses for a great binge watch) there’s still an issue of personal self care. Exercise in key for keeping your mental and physical health in tip-top shape. If you haven’t taken a shower for days, opened your blinds to let light in or answered your phone, it may be time get it together.
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To be fair, Netflix provides us with a great alternative to cable but it’s also changing the way we interact as a result of it. Just like most guilty pleasures turned addiction, we hold the control in moderating our television intake. Perhaps there’ll be a new support group coming soon in the wake of Netflix’s success.
Amy Yew is a registered clinical counselor and relationship therapist. Tell us what you think and submit any questions you have to amyvancouvercourier@gmail.com. You can also tweet your thoughts on Twitter @AmyYew.
