It is undeniable that Netflix has become an integral part of our modern-day relaxation rituals. It provides a plethora of movies, TV series, documentaries, and more, which can be both a blessing and a curse. If you find yourself spending an excessive amount of time on Netflix, you might be grappling with a Netflix obsession. This comprehensive guide aims to help you understand your Netflix obsession better and provide practical tips to overcome it.
Table of Contents
What is a Netflix Addiction?
Let's talk about my strange addiction to Netflix and the experience of being addicted to Netflix. I used to spend countless hours every day watching Netflix whenever I had some free time. Once I finished watching one show, I spent another half an hour searching for another movie or series, often googling movies or series featuring the same actor or actress. If I couldn't find anything interesting, used a VPN to change my country to look for another available movie. On average, I spent anywhere between 2 to 6 hours daily on Netflix. However, when I found a good series, I spent up to 8 hours a day binge-watching.
Netflix addiction is much like any other form of addiction, the compulsive need to watch Netflix content, often at the expense of other life activities. It's when your leisurely Netflix session turns into a marathon of binge-watching, and you find yourself wrapped up in the virtual world, neglecting real-life responsibilities.
Are You a Netflix Addict? Let's Find Out
Those are common symptoms of Netflix addiction. If you find yourself relating to more than two of the following scenarios, you have a Netflix addiction:
You constantly look for new movies or series to watch after completing one.
You resort to using a VPN to access international content.
You spend more than 3 days a week watching Netflix.
Once you start watching, you typically watch more than one film or two episodes of a series in one sitting.
How I Overcome Netflix Addiction
I unsubscribed Netflix. When I realized that the time I spent would never come back, I regretted what I could have done with that time. I could have been more productive and spent it more meaningfully.
If you have the self-control to watch Netflix occasionally, that's good. However, if you're like me, the only way to overcome this addiction is by unsubscribing from the service.
The Positive Reason for Watching Netflix
The only potentially positive reason for watching Netflix is for educational purposes, such as learning a language or studying history. While watching TV shows and movies can be a great way to learn new languages, it can also go beyond mere study and become an obsession that starts to negatively impact our lives.
Withdrawal Symptoms and How to Deal with Them
Unsubscribing from Netflix led me to intense boredom for the first two weeks. It was tough. As a result, I felt the need to find another good habit - reading. If I hadn't started reading books, I might have returned to my addiction. Unsubscribing alone might not be enough to overcome a Netflix addiction; you also need to find a healthier replacement.
Don't Underestimate Addiction
Netflix addiction is a form of internet addiction and should not be taken lightly. It might seem harmless, but it can take a toll on your productivity, mental health, and overall well-being.
Conclusion
In this digital era, Netflix addiction is a real issue, and it's crucial to acknowledge and address it. Remember, it's not about completely eliminating Netflix from your life but about achieving a healthy balance.