After surviving the hell that is finals week, you deserve to finally get to lay in bed and binge-watch that series on Netflix that you've been thinking about all semester, but have never before had the time to commit to. But be cautious my friends, this is a dangerous path. Netflix knows us better than we would like to admit, explicitly shown through the options we are given upon finishing an episode.
As the credits begin to roll, we are informed that we have 15 seconds until the next episode begins, during which we could choose to watch a different episode, go back to browsing, or sit back and continue our binge-marathon for who knows how long. They do this to test our wit and to see how long they can keep us. We need to pull ourselves together and know when to stop watching, close the computer, and re-join the outside world. Or at least call someone and let them know you're alive. That 15 second countdown is our opportunity. Knowing when to stop can be difficult, so here are some questions you can use to check in with yourself and decide how to handle this.
1. When was the last time you went outside?
2. Have you made contact with another person recently? Outside of Snapchat?
3. Count how many episodes you've watched and multiply by minutes per episode.
Does this exceed 8 hours? If not, it's honestly not that serious yet.
4. When is the last time you've used the restroom?
Have you put it off out of sheer laziness. I feel you, but that's worrisome.
5. Is your laptop warm? Like really warm?
6. Get off the couch, this will just be for a second, I promise. Look down. How intense is the imprint of your behind in the couch?
7. Look away from the computer for a minute. Is your vision blurred?
8. Try to remember what day of the week it is.
If you honesty can't, be a little concerned.
9. Look at the room around you. Is it covered in empty food containers? Are there any lights on? Any sign of human life recently?
10. Is it suddenly dark outside?
11. Look at the time. Is anyone coming home soon? Would you be embarrassed to be found in your current state?
12. When was the last time you did physical exercise that surpassed running to get your power cord when your computer started to die?
13. Were you breathing heavily after this sprint?
14. Have you gotten the dreaded, "are you still watching?" message?
15. Were you personally offended by said message? If yes, be more concerned.
Answering these questions may take more than the 15 seconds you are allotted, but it is possible to close Netflix in the middle of an episode and show some will power. Crazy concept, I know. So when you feel you are ready, close your computer, get some fresh air, and maybe even converse with other people. If you can get though these questions without doubting your need and right to continue your binge-marathon, more power to you. I know I can't watch Netflix for more than 8 hours at a time, but if you can, l'm honestly pretty jealous.
