One More Episode: How Streaming Rewired Our Sense of Time

Streaming platforms like Netflix have dramatically changed how audiences engage with mass media, shifting control from producers to consumers. In the past, audiences had to follow scheduled programming, but now entire seasons are released at once, allowing viewers to consume content at their own pace. This has created what is commonly referred to as “binge culture,” where watching multiple episodes in one sitting is not only possible but expected. This shift reflects broader changes in digital media, where audiences now expect on-demand access and personalized control over content consumption (Filak, 2021; Brockhaus et al., 2023).


This shift has influenced not only viewing habits but also storytelling itself. Shows are now designed to keep viewers engaged for extended periods, often ending episodes with cliffhangers to encourage continued watching. Personally, I’ve noticed how easy it is to get pulled into watching multiple episodes without even planning to, which reflects how these platforms are designed around user behavior. Society now expects convenience, control, and uninterrupted access to content, and anything less feels outdated.


At the same time, this cultural shift has blurred the line between entertainment and routine behavior. Watching shows is no longer just a leisure activity; it’s part of daily life. While this increases engagement for companies, it also raises questions about attention spans and how media consumption affects productivity and mental habits, particularly as digital platforms are intentionally designed to maximize user retention and time spent engaging with content (Brockhaus et al., 2023).



References 


Filak, V. F. (2021). Convergent journalism: An introduction (4th ed.). Taylor & Francis.


Brockhaus, J., Buhmann, A., & Zerfass, A. (2023). Digitalization in corporate communications: Understanding the emergence and consequences of CommTech and digital infrastructure. Corporate Communications: An International Journal, 28(2), 274–292. https://doi.org/10.1108/CCIJ-03-2022-0035



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