By Managing Editor: Amber Lee Carnahan
Netflixing: The act of watching an entire season of a show in one sitting; a valid excuse for avoiding social obligations. Sure, this may not be a valid word in the Oxford Dictionary, but to those familiar with the invented term, it’s just as real. Netflix is a provider of on-demand access to Internet streaming media, through which participants can watch the latest movies, TV shows, and musicals to their hearts’ content for a reasonable price of $7.99. However, to regulars of the streaming franchise, Netflix is a black hole in which the life and responsibilities of the viewers are sucked into oblivion and never seen from again.
Netflixing is a dangerous addiction, and should be avoided at all costs. There are several reasons that prove that Netflix is a disastrous evil in an entertaining disguise, and if you concentrate on the negatives, you just might be able to escape with your life.
Procrastination.
Even the most efficient worker will fall prey to procrastination if Netflix is allowed to take hold in the mind. With the instant availability of streaming any show, it is too easy to get carried away. I’ll just watch one episode quickly morphs into I must watch all seasons of this show or I’m sure to suffer a painful and agonizing death! I can say without a doubt that I’m a black belt in the art of Netflixing, so I am speaking from experience when I say resist the temptation and get some actual work done before succumbing to a full-blown marathon.
Social Withdrawal.
Go away, I’m Netflixing. There’s nothing worse than watching your newest obsession and have a family member or a friend walk in during the middle of the third season and start asking questions. Even if you try to politely explain that it would be ridiculous for them to understand since they haven’t been watching from the beginning, the flood of annoying questions won’t be stemmed. Who’s he? Are they dating? I bet he’ll die at the end of this episode. Is he a bad guy? What kind of cereal is he eating? Most likely, the urge to continue your Netflixing crave in peace will lead to holing up in your bedroom and refusing visitors. While it may seem irritating at the time, it isn’t the best course of action to lash out and be anti-social- eventually, you’ll have finished the series and will have no other choice but to return to the land of the living, and your reception might not be the warmest one.
Health Decline.
It’s inevitable, but hardcore Netflixing will eventually lead to health problems. This may seem a bit far-fetched, but the evidence in there. When caught in the middle of a Netflix high, viewers will be sitting in the same position for hours on end. This will lead to pressure sores, neck cramps, and in the long term cases, weight gain. While calories are lost while doing simple tasks such as sitting, sleeping, or watching television, the amount is insignificant when compared to the weight gained from the guaranteed addition of Netflixing snacks. Additionally, if you don’t already have eye issues, consider making an appointment with your eye doctor, for too much Netflixing is sure to make anyone go blind.
Netflixing is a danger to the human race, as shown by these common examples. The tip for escaping Netflix’s cold grasp comes with self-awareness. Realizing you have a problem is the first step towards solving the issue and reclaiming your life. Netflixing is a real problem, and it helps to know that you are not alone in your struggles. Find a support group in an area near you, and say no to Netflixing.
