Netflix Unveils ‘Play Something’ Feature to End Endless Scrolling

In an effort to rescue viewers from the agonizing cycle of indecision, Netflix has introduced a new feature called “Play Something.” With users reportedly logging around six billion hours each month on the platform, it’s clear that a significant chunk of that time is spent merely scrolling through options instead of actually watching content. The real question is: how many hours are lost to the paralysis of choice, leading many to default to familiar shows instead of exploring new ones?

“Play Something” aims to alleviate this issue by presenting users with a selection of three options: a new show or film that aligns with your viewing history, an older title you’ve enjoyed but haven’t seen in some time, and an episode from a series you started but didn’t finish. This technique mirrors how I sometimes offer my kids limited dinner options to avoid meltdowns, suggesting Netflix believes we could use a similar approach.

Though there are countless films and series available on the platform—from British crime dramas to Korean rom-coms—many of us struggle with decision fatigue. This problem is exacerbated when sharing the viewing experience with a partner, as weighing each other’s opinions can lead to even more frustration.

Scrolling through an endless array of titles often makes time fly, leaving you in a panic as you realize you’ve wasted the night and are now resigned to rewatching a show like Schitt’s Creek. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a favorite series, perhaps investing in a DVD would be more sensible if you’re just going to replay the same content over and over.

“Play Something” could serve as a breakthrough for those wanting to escape this cycle, and if Netflix could also develop an algorithm to help with dinner decisions, I’d be all in. For more insights on related topics, you can check out this post on home insemination here.

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Summary:

Netflix’s new “Play Something” feature is designed to help users break free from the endless scrolling that often leads to decision fatigue. By offering three curated viewing options, it aims to simplify the selection process, allowing viewers to enjoy their time without the stress of endless choices.