Netflix thought I would like Hit Man. I tried to like it, but alas . . .
As you can see from the red lines under the "Continue Watching" shows, I didn't even try to like Evil. I think I quit shortly after the opening scene. The Resident? Not sure how that got recommended. Fisk makes sense due to my history (quirky, Australian, woman-centered) but . . . nope. Everything I know about Eric, other than its star (which is a big deal, algorithmically), is a big Nope. Nothing about The Long Game screams Mary Martin's viewing history on Netflix.
If you're interested, here's how Netflix describes its recommendation system. Maybe I don't spend enough time there and they're trying to figure me out without enough data.
Do you take the suggestions of recommendation engines? Do you think about that?
Are You Outsourcing Your Taste?
In 2024, we all outsource some parts of our lives. We have priorities, we're "busy," we're lazy and there's an app for that and a service for that.
Do you know how many subscriptions you pay for? Do you know how much money you spend on outsourcing tasks you could easily do yourself?
Gen Z is more likely to use DoorDash than Boomers. There can be a variety of reasons for that, including that Boomers have more time on their hands and prefer getting out of the house and interacting with people.
Are you aware of what you outsource and what you think you're gaining by doing that? I've never used DoorDash. I also cook almost all of my meals because that's a priority for me.
As for Netflix, they do everything they can to keep me watching, including that nifty Next Episode button, transitioning to the next episode anyway, and suggesting shows and movies. But . . .
Is Your Taste Being Manufactured?
Netflix and every other recommendation engine has an element of personalization but also manufactures taste. Research has shown that this isn't always innocuous, as YouTube and TikTok have been shown to play parts in the radicalization of their users (with worse results usually for people who began on the right and were pushed to the far right by the recommendation engines), and Instagram and Pinterest have been linked to eating disorders).
The Mindfulness Connection
One of the benefits of mindfulness practice is that you become aware of, well, everything. And not in a bad way where you're overwhelmed by the sudden appearance of everything. Instead, your attention slowly migrates to what's important because you prioritize differently when you're paying attention. You think to yourself, "Wow, I can't believe how much time I spent doing X and not even realizing it!" You get your time back.
You can watch Netflix mindfully, and you don't have to finish everything you start.
Ask yourself . . .
How do I feel when I'm watching this show?
What sensations are present in my body?
What are my thoughts?
Do I like the way I feel?
What does this feeling remind me of?
Would I want my child or my best friend to feel like this?
Does this content add value to my life? Perhaps instead of watching a show to fold the laundry to (not that there's anything wrong with that), you could mindfully fold the laundry and be present for that experience while listening to whatever ambient sound is in the room and not judging anything. Believe it or not, once mindfulness becomes a habit, you might welcome folding the laundry in solitude and silence.
Is my time better spent doing something else? Is whatever I'm getting here really my priority for this moment?
Am I watching this because Netflix nudged me to?
Resist the Algorithms!
Take back your taste! Don't outsource it to algorithms that represent the interests of others. Invest time in your own taste and personal culture by becoming the curator of your own preferences. Forget about what's trending and ask yourself what's important to you and what you're curious about. Talk to people—all kinds of people. Read. Spend time by yourself.
Don't let some algorithm shape who you become.
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