Leilani De Santiago
Crimson Chronicle Reporter
Traditionally, teens wishing to catch up with their favorite television programs found themselves having to wait for the next episode to arrive each week. Thanks to streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+ however, viewers can now watch TV whenever and wherever.
One increasingly common habit due in part to the rise of streaming is binge-watching. Binge-watching entails an entire season that is available to watch in one sitting. This trend can be convenient and lead to the paradox of both increased and decreased screen time.
Cable TV has seen a decline in popularity with teens in recent years. This can be attributed to the fact that watching cable television requires a set schedule, with shows airing a specific time slot on specific days of the way, a feature teens may not particularly be inclined to. Streaming services provide an alternative to the rigidity of cable, allowing teens to watch anytime, and anywhere–such as on phones, tablets, or laptops.
Streaming services can also attribute their popularity to their big hits like Netflix’s Stranger Things and Squid Game. These shows often go viral overnight, thanks to buzz on social media, further driving interest for these platforms. The appeal of shows can come from personalized recommendations. When shows are discussed on social media, the content surrounding them can act as personalized recommendations for the potential viewer.
With boundless entertainment and fewer teens watching cable, streaming services are now a go-to way to watch TV. While screen time increases, it’s important to maintain a healthy balance between entertainment and reality. What are your favorite streaming platforms?
