When I think of a piece of digital culture, my mind immediately goes to Netflix. No other form of media has had as large of an imprint in the last decade. It has quickly become a mainstay among households. This is something that past generations have not had. But due to advancements in technology, Netflix has become a powerhouse. Cable television has declined these past years and it has been replaced by streaming services like Netflix. In doing so, Netflix has created a monumental shift in power as well as the way we as a society view things. Twenty years ago, nobody would believe that cable television would be starting to become phased out at this time. All smart televisions and devices now give direct access to streaming platforms such as Netflix. Due to almost everyone having a smartphone, it makes accessing everyone’s favorite shows and movies more convenient at times. Netflix has taken advantage of the post-informational era where everyone is constantly online. Making Netflix available as an app has played into this concept and era. Most people want to see things first and not wait for other episodes of their favorite shows to come out and Netflix has allowed for their customers to be able to have both these things. Water cooler culture is out. Digital culture, predominantly with Netflix, is in.
(Re-commenting here, as a better place for a conversation…)
Nice work! I have two thoughts, Spencer: First of all, I would distinguish between Netflix itself, as a company, and particular streaming shows that they create. (So, I was thinking of, eg, a particular series as an answer to this question.). We all share access to Netflix as a content provider; but how does this connect to the shows, or kinds of shows, that people care about? Then, your final two sentences: this is a punchy conclusion, but I’m not quite sure I understand the thinking behind it. Is the “water cooler” gone because we don’t share physical workplaces anymore? Or is the idea that we don’t all discuss the same TV show at the “water cooler” anymore, because everybody streams what they want on their own schedule?
(Re. TV and streaming, compare Nathan’s take on “Seinfeld”)
https://sites.create.ou.edu/expo1213blog/2022/02/04/blog-post-1-3/