The Year Without Netflix: 3 Unexpected Lessons Learned
Written on
Chapter 1: The Decision to Unsubscribe
In 2023, I made the bold choice to forgo Netflix, along with Disney Plus and any similar streaming services. My sole sources of entertainment became YouTube and regular TV channels. To clarify, I did not resort to any illegal streaming sites during this time.
The motivation behind canceling my Netflix account stemmed from the need to focus on my exams. My sibling and I recognized that Netflix was a significant distraction, prompting us to eliminate it entirely. This led me to wonder how this decision would impact my lifestyle, given that streaming platforms have become integral to many people's daily routines.
While having Netflix is often viewed as a standard luxury, I was curious to see if I'd develop a deeper appreciation for such services without them.
Chapter 2: The Lessons Learned
Through this year-long experiment, I identified three surprising truths about my experience.
Section 2.1: Social Isolation
Surprisingly, I found myself feeling socially excluded, but perhaps not in the way you might think. Engaging in conversations about popular TV shows was a common way to connect with others. After I began my experiment, I often encountered questions about what I was watching, only to realize I had nothing to contribute. It felt a bit awkward, particularly in my social circle, where Netflix was a staple topic of discussion. While I did experience some discomfort, it wasn't a serious concern.
Section 2.2: Increased Boredom
Initially, I experienced heightened boredom, particularly at the beginning of my journey. Although I was aware of various activities I could pursue beyond mindless TV watching, I frequently found myself missing the simple pleasure of binge-watching a series with snacks in hand or winding down with a movie before bed.
At first, I felt a sense of dissatisfaction with my day due to the lack of dedicated entertainment time. With several extra hours available, I often turned to YouTube, only to feel guilty about it afterward. I struggled to redefine what it meant to relax without Netflix. This phase lasted for a few months, during which I found myself aimlessly scrolling through YouTube shorts, leading to feelings of doom scrolling and disappointment.
The first video titled "The Full Story of MrBeast" delves into the rise of one of YouTube's most influential creators and explores the impact of content creation on personal life and relationships.
Section 2.3: Family Dynamics
To my surprise, I noticed a significant decrease in family bonding time. In my household, watching movies together has always been a cherished activity, typically enjoyed during dinner or before bedtime. Since we primarily relied on Netflix for our film nights, canceling the subscription left us scrambling for new ways to connect.
We found ourselves with less to discuss and had to explore alternative activities together. Fortunately, as time passed, we adapted and began to spend time together in more meaningful ways.
Chapter 3: The Road Ahead
I shared these three harsh truths from my year without Netflix, and I invite you to clap if you're interested in hearing about the three pleasant surprises that emerged during this time. Thank you for reading, and I hope you have a wonderful day! As a note, I still haven't resubscribed to Netflix or Disney Plus!
The second video, "Jimmy Carr: 'There's A Crisis Going On With Men!'" highlights contemporary societal issues through comedy, offering a different perspective on modern challenges.