Netflix Study Finds Stigmas Surrounding Public Binge-Viewing Have Dwindled

A study conducted by Netflix has found that subscribers are harboring less and less shame about binge-viewing in public spaces.

Among roughly 37,000 users across the globe queried by the streaming giant earlier this year, 67% of respondents said that they don’t mind risking embarrassment, awkwardness, or even spoilers if it means that they can consume their favorite shows and films on mobile devices on-the-go. Furthermore, public bingers consider being able to access programming a higher priority than food or water while travelling or during their daily commutes.

Other findings from the Netflix study include the fact that 45% of respondents have experienced passersby looking over their shoulders in an attempt to glimpse

their screens — though a whopping 77% say they continued watching undeterred. Meanwhile, 27% said they have had to press pause in order to engage in conversation about the show or movie in question.

Finally, Netflix says that binge-watchers aren’t shy about showing emotions in public — with a majority claiming that they have laughed out loud, and 20% conceding that they have even shed a tear. These expressions of emotion tend to vary from country to country, however, with Mexico, Colombia, and Chile seeing the most, and Germany seeing the least.

For additional findings, check out Netflix’s report in full right here.