Netflix became a growing giant in the on-demand industry, offering streaming services ranging from movies to mobile games. Netflix Inc. started producing its own content in 2011 and experienced a growing demand for it.
Netflix changed the TV industry and had over 270 million subscribers who paid for its service worldwide, according to Netflix Investor Relations. Even a discount offered for college students created loyal consumers in the California Baptist University community.
Michael Eaton, professor of film studies/film production, had a mixed opinion on whether society benefited from the platform.
“It can be beneficial to students studying certain topics related to their major, particularly film majors, as there is just a lot of content on there about a lot of different subjects and some very good films about historical events and people too,” Eaton said.
However, he admitted that despite the vast amount of content, society did not benefit much.
“The movies and shows Netflix Inc. produces on its own are often not great, and many famous filmmakers have commented on how the company’s emphasis on a big budget and popular productions leaves out gifted independent filmmakers with unique voices,” Eaton said.
On the other hand, Eaton acknowledged the platform’s affordability.
“I think the price point is still pretty cheap for access to so much content,” Eaton said.
Eaton also shared his personal experience with Netflix Inc., as it streamed his own documentary, “The Case for Christ”, which was a top Netflix title in the religious category.
“It was a top Netflix title in its category for many years until Lionsgate, the distribution company, pulled it off altogether,” Eaton said. “My documentary was released when DVDs were still being sent out to Netflix subscribers, and it has been distributed worldwide through Amazon and other streamers.”
He also noted that a pirated copy became available for free on YouTube, which was disappointing.
“My own opinion of Netflix is that there is a lot of content that is just plain terrible, and they don’t seem to care, perhaps because their founders aren’t content creators,” Eaton said.
On the flip side, as a consumer rather than a filmmaker, Katelyn Marley, sophomore behavioral science major, said she enjoyed Netflix.
“It has a large collection of shows, and I especially love the collection of comedy shows it has to offer,” Marley said.
Beyond entertainment, Marley also noted potential benefits.
“I think that Netflix can be beneficial for students if it is used correctly, as it has some shows that can teach important lessons to students about friendship, healthy romantic relationships, and much more,” she said.
However, as a believer, Marley highlighted her concerns and personal convictions.
“Sadly, our culture today is falling deeper into what feels ‘good’ versus what feels ‘right,’ and Netflix’s recent show releases portray this concept clearly, which makes it hard for believers to find shows that align with their beliefs… As Christians, we need to remind ourselves of what is true from God before we click ‘watch’ on Netflix or any other streaming service,” Marley said.
Netflix’s algorithm for selecting recommended movies was something that Favor Nafula Khaoya, graduate student, found appealing. However, she said she did not like how predictable some of the shows were.
“Netflix is popular because it is affordable with its different packages,” Nafula Khaoya said. “It has diverse movie sets and undertones and allows you to download movies and watch them when you do not have internet access.”
She also shared how she used the platform.
“I watch Netflix when I need a break and to refresh my mind,” she said, noting that this could be beneficial for college students. “However, there are days when that one episode ends up being the whole series. On those days, it is a distraction,” she said.
Whether or not someone liked or supported Netflix, the platform remained a dominant force in the on-demand industry for the past decade. College students could find value in its extensive content for both educational and entertainment purposes, though believers might choose to be mindful of the material they consume.
