Since Netflix’s release in 2007, there has been an increase in online streaming of television shows and movies due to its accessibility. I mean who doesn’t want to watch a show without any commercials, but more importantly, not having to wait a whole week for the next episode; instead just fifteen seconds. However, fast forward eight years later, and there is now a new association with Netflix. Instead of the app being used solely to binge watch throwback episodes of Grey’s Anatomy and Gossip Girl, with the lights off, in sweatpants, and with a carton of ice cream, it is now used as a prelude into sex.

According to Urban Dictionary, “Netflix and Chill” is defined as, “a subtle way to lure a girl to come over to your place, initially as just a ‘friend,' so that it can lead to an opportunity of getting intimate with her while something is playing on Netflix.” The fact the definition includes, a way to get “intimate with her” is degrading and two, it's absolutely disgusting.

In comparison to the older generation, dating to us teenagers is prioritized more on physical attraction and encounters instead of emotions. For example, older generations waited until marriage before having sex as pre-marital sex was equivalent to wearing white after labor day- social suicide. However, waiting until marriage now, is as rare as Ke$ha not wearing glitter. Sex is seen as the preview of what a relationship will be. “Oh yeah, this girl will put out before I even wife her up. She is definitely gf material.” Uhm NEWSFLASH NO. That is disgusting and to be honest, we all know it never works out in the end for you. *Insert belting of Taylor Swift's "Fifteen"*

This could be for a variety of reasons: teenage girls' insecurities, pressure from guys, but more importantly social media. Our generation is obsessed with technology, the latest social media networks, creating/maintaining the social trends, and being completely open about everything. For example, we are constantly tweeting, posting pictures on instagram, and still friending people on Facebook. Everything is online. We meet people online. We connect online. We swipe left or right to find our Mr. Hot Hookup Right Now. And recently, we have added Netflix and Chill to this long list of phenomenons. Not to mention, the creation of an actual Netflix and Chill app, "The Switch" aka a mood maker as it dims the lights to a presetting, puts the phone on do not disturb, and automatically begins streaming Netflix. Vomit.

Guys don’t need to ask girls on a date face-to-face because they can text, Facebook message, slide into the DMs, or skip all of that, and send a “Netflix and chill ;)” message. And let's be honest, we all know what is going to happen when that “;)” comes about.. Whether it be people justifying sex before monogamy as "test driving the car before purchasing" or because they are afraid of commitment, it is unnecessary. Every teenage girl can admit they dream of living in a Nicholas Sparks movie with an amazingly chiseled man picking you up and twirling you around on a deserted island, but that is not reality. Yes, our standards are raised due to these movies, but we do not maintain them. Instead, we stoop low to a degrading invitation to not even binge watch our favorite TV show because we are having sex with some boy, who clearly has no interest in you or your Nicholas Sparks fantasies.

Honestly, it is embarrassing to the female teen population as there are hundreds of memes making fun at the concept of Netflix and Chill.

These two above just happen to be the worst ones I’ve seen. The condom one shows how literally easy it is to get in someone’s pants. EWW. YOU'RE BETTER THAN THAT. Most couples now say they used to Netflix and Chill prior to officially dating and now that they are, they Chill and Netflix. Meaning actually watching the show, with all clothes on. How great is that?!

All in all, Netflix and Chill is just another excuse for pre-marital sex, sex without monogamy, and a leeway for boys to appear charming before really going after the one thing they want. As much as I hope this phenomenon becomes a fad sooner rather than later, I do not see that happening. I believe our generation is too focused on creating social trends, but not necessarily in a good way. Does this make our generation appear successful compared to our parents? I’m sorry to say, but no. Yes, times have changed and social norms need to modernize, but that does not mean completely get rid of them.

So girls, make a promise to yourself. If you want to Netflix and Chill, perhaps put Chill in front of Netflix. Or make it known to your guy that you aren’t having sex until you are in a relationship with him. Watch more Nicholas Sparks movies and set standards for yourself and hold them high. If you don’t hold them high and respect yourself, no one will respect you. I can assure you, you can go without a Netflix and Chill encounter and yet another horrible Tinder date for a week. In the wise words of Charlie from "The Perks of Being A Wallflower", “We accept the love we think we deserve.” Stop selling yourself short. How are we supposed to expect guys to treat us like Disney princesses if we can’t even do that for ourselves? We are better than that. Let's start moving away from “the generation that never settles down” and instead start becoming “the generation moving forward and not settling for anything less than we deserve.”