#streamingculture

The way people watch television has changed dramatically over the past decade. Before streaming services became popular, audiences had to wait for programmes to air at a specific time each week. Missing an episode often meant waiting for a rerun or buying the DVD later. Today, platforms such as Netflix allow viewers to watch what they want, whenever they want. This shift has created what many people refer to as streaming culture, where entertainment is consumed on demand rather than according to traditional television schedules.

One of the biggest changes brought by Netflix is the rise of binge-watching. Instead of releasing one episode each week, Netflix often releases an entire season at once. This gives viewers the freedom to decide how quickly they want to watch a series. For many people, watching multiple episodes in one sitting has become a normal part of entertainment. Binge-watching also changes the way stories are written, as producers know that audiences may watch several episodes back-to-back rather than over a period of months.

Another important aspect of streaming culture is personalisation. Netflix uses algorithms to recommend shows and movies based on users’ viewing habits. The platform analyses what people watch, how long they watch for and what genres they prefer. As a result, two users may have completely different recommendations even though they are using the same service. This creates a more customised viewing experience, but it also raises questions about how algorithms influence our choices and limit our exposure to different types of content.

Streaming services have also changed the entertainment industry itself. Traditional television networks relied heavily on scheduled programming and advertising revenue. In contrast, Netflix uses a subscription model that allows viewers to enjoy content without commercial breaks. The success of Netflix has encouraged many companies to launch their own streaming platforms, increasing competition and giving audiences more viewing options than ever before.

Personally, I prefer streaming services because they provide flexibility and convenience. I enjoy being able to choose when and where I watch a programme, especially when my schedule is busy. However, I have also experienced staying up later than planned because I wanted to watch “just one more episode.” This shows how binge-watching can be both enjoyable and difficult to manage.

Overall, Netflix has transformed television from a scheduled activity into an on-demand experience. Streaming culture has changed audience habits, storytelling techniques and the broader media industry. As technology continues to develop, it is likely that streaming will remain one of the dominant ways people consume entertainment.

References

Jenner, M. (2018) Netflix and the Re-invention of Television. Cham: Palgrave Macmillan.

Lotz, A.D. (2017) Portals: A Treatise on Internet-Distributed Television. Ann Arbor: Michigan Publishing.

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