Essay: A critical analysis of Netflix and binge-watching effects.

This essay critically examines the impact of binge-watching on viewers' health, specifically in the context of Netflix. The author of the essay under review explores the health risks associated with excessive viewing, such as reduced sleep, and questions the essay's focus on Netflix alone, pointing out that other streaming platforms also offer binge-watching options. The essay's analysis identifies shortcomings, including a failure to provide a clear stance on Netflix's role and the inclusion of counterarguments that dilute the central argument. The essay suggests improvements, such as focusing on the broader implications of binge-watching across various platforms and recommending remedies like turning off auto-play options to mitigate negative health effects. The conclusion emphasizes the need for a more focused and constructive approach to the topic, highlighting the importance of a clear thesis and targeted recommendations.

Running head: ESSAY DEVELOPMENT SKILLS
ESSAY DEVELOPMENT SKILLS
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author note

1ESSAY DEVELOPMENT SKILLS
Introduction
The given article on the consequences of Netflix and binge-watching on the health of
the viewers will be the focus of this structured essay. I will highlight the reasons for the
failure of the essay and what remediation should be made.
Discussion
I respectfully disagree to the points stated by my friend regarding this essay as in my
opinion, in the essay title, the author has put up a question whether Netflix is bad for the
users. However as the essay progresses the author has provided neither any positive answers
nor any negative answers regarding Netflix. The author only mentions about the health
issues, which can be caused due to binge-watching. Whereas binge-watching can be accessed
from various streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, YouTube TV, HBO Now,
Disney Plus, and Hulu apart from Netflix (Wayne, 2018). The author fails to provide a strong
cause for criticizing the use of Netflix.
Apart from mentioning about the health effects caused due to reduced sleeping hours,
the author provides counter arguments mentioning the positive sides of Netflix such as
advancement in technology has enabled Netflix to add the feature of binge-watching for their
users (Pena, 2015). This confuses the readers and deviates from the focus of the essay.
I would not have made the same above mistakes done by the author. If binge-
watching is a concern for people’s health then I would provide names of all the streaming
providers, which are widely used like Netflix such as YouTube TV, and Amazon Prime
Video as Netflix alone does not provide binge-watching options. Unlike the author, I would
mention about the remedies that should be adopted by the streaming platforms rather than by
the users such as turning off the auto play option. I would focus on the title, write the essay

2ESSAY DEVELOPMENT SKILLS
accordingly without deviating from the topic, and remove all the counter arguments
mentioning the positive sides of Netflix.
Conclusion
Hence, it can be concluded that the reasons used by the author is not constructive
enough. I appreciate the efforts of my friends however they have neither of them have
highlighted the faults, which I have mentioned.

3ESSAY DEVELOPMENT SKILLS
References
Pena, L. L. (2015). Breaking binge: Exploring the effects of binge watching on television
viewer reception.
Wayne, M. L. (2018). Netflix, Amazon, and branded television content in subscription video
on-demand portals. Media, Culture & Society, 40(5), 725-741.