Don’t you just hate Netflix? You don’t? Read anyway. 

I debated multiple titles for this article: “Netflix Kills,” “Caught in the Net(flix),” and “Flix on, Flix Off.” Lastly, I was amused by, “I’m Dating Netflix,” as a possible title because we are in a mutually parasitic relationship with our screens.

Since its establishment in 1997, Netflix has been gathering subscribers who pay to binge-watch shows that help them live vicariously through unrealistic situations. This thought occurred to me at 2 a.m. as I was sobbing after Keith’s death on One Tree Hill and constantly clicking the “continue watching” option on my screen. Too much Netflix is just too much Netflix.  

I’m going to make a few enemies right now and give you the down and dirty on Netflix. Since its start, Netflix has had net revenues ranging from $112 million to $4.37 billion per year. This is money earned from poor hours wasted, not living life. These are hours spent in front of a screen while this corporation continually raises the prices on a service that does everything, but serve. These are hours we didn’t study, that caused us to be late to work, that initiated sleep deprivation, and may or may not have caused strains on friendships. 

I will be the first to admit that sometimes I would rather stay in and pretend I’m Meredith Grey than spend quality time with my real-life Cristina Yang. I’ve lost countless hours of memories and laughs because I didn't want to get off of my lazy butt, put on real pants, and walk myself down the street to see my friends. The guilt and shame from this revelation is frustrating and isn't the best feeling, but I know I'm not alone. 

We were not created to live by screens. We were created to learn, explore, seek, and become more than we are. We cannot do this stationed in our air conditioning in front of a television screen, afraid to face reality. Next time the “continue watching” option pops up, turn off the television. Shut your laptop. Unplug your phone. Go to the library. Walk your dog. Read the next chapter of that book you really appreciated but forgot about. Write a letter to your grandmother. Facetime your sister. Go outside. Breathe air untainted by rom-coms and thrillers.

We are not living, because we are letting Netflix live for us. Netflix is good. Netflix is nice. Don’t get me wrong, I want you to watch Mean Girls for the 497th time, this month, with your sorority sisters. I want you and your bros to laugh at Blue Mountain State. I want you to gasp with your roommates as you discover who Gossip Girl was the whole time. I want you to be entertained, but make certain that Netflix does not interfere with really living your life. Don’t let it keep you from reality.

All things in moderation, my friends, Netflix included.