Does Using “Shuffle” Mean You’re Already ‘Stuffed Full’?

8/23/2020

by David Hagenbuch, founder of Mindful Marketing & author of Honorable Influence

“What do you want to watch?”
“I don’t know; what do you want to watch?”

That conversation must be happening in more homes than just mine, which probably inspired Netflix to introduce its new “Shuffle” feature, aimed at defeating this common viewing dilemma. But, should people who have to ask their TVs to “play something” even be watching television?

This past July, the entertainment-streaming icon started testing a new “Shuffle Play” button, placing a familiar-looking shuffle icon on select users’ accounts. Those who have the feature might find it below their user profile icon or on the left side of the home screen. When Shuffle is selected, Netflix serves a chef’s choice of shows “based on viewing history, preferences, and playlists.”

Problem solved: No more aimless scrolling and probably fewer arguments began by “Anything but that.” It’s nice to have choices. It’s also nice when someone/thing helps identify them.

But, will Netflix’s Shuffle keep people too tied to their iPads and cemented to their sofas? Does imploring one’s device to “play something . . . anything” signal digital drunkenness and suggest that the streaming service should stop serving?

In the midst of the pandemic, Netflix has been a hero for the homebound, keeping many a step away from wit’s end with easy access to inexpensive entertainment and even educational content. In the second quarter of 2020, the streaming service added an impressive 10 million new subscribers, bringing its worldwide total to about 193 million.

With so many customers already contently streaming, why does Netflix even need to add a new feature? Well, like any successful organization, it wants to keep its value proposition fresh and exciting. As a Netflix spokesperson says, “We’re always looking for better ways to connect members with shows and films that they will love.”

The company also needs to keep pace with competitors’ offerings, like HBO Max’s recommendation engine and NBCUniversal’s random play on Peacock. Likewise, Comcast’s Xfinity has integrated creative voice commands, such as “Surprise Me” and “Happy Stuff” in order to serve up spontaneous and hopefully stimulating shows.

In varied marketing roles, I’ve come across a couple of closely related psychological concepts that help describe the consumer itch Netflix and its competitors seem to be trying to scratch:

Satiation effect: people eventually grow tired of things they initially liked.
Variety-seeking behavior: enjoyment often increases with different experiences.

So, Shuffle might pull Netflix users out of their streaming ruts by providing them with an endless array of custom-curated and personally-satisfying program choices.

However, whether it’s taking excessive vitamin C or bingeing The Office, too much of even a good thing is too much. At some point, people need to turn off their TVs, put down their iPads, and move on to other things. The question, then, becomes: Does a shuffle feature make streaming too tempting and difficult to deny?

Pulling oneself away from an interesting program can be hard, which I experienced firsthand earlier today. In order to do some “research” for this piece, I turned on our TV to check out Xfinity’s voice commands. The channel happened to be on a high-diving competition, held on a beautiful stone bridge, over a river somewhere in Europe. I sat memorized for at least 10 minutes before returning to my senses and remembering why I was sitting there.

The bottom-line, though, is that I was able to break free from the screen without any extraordinary effort. Most people can muster at least the same amount of resolve, even when specially-selected programs are shuffled at them.

Speaking of resolve, I recently wrote an article that asked whether TikTok is addictive. The conclusion (spoiler alert) was “No.” When compared to commonly accepted addictions like alcohol and gambling, the app is not addictive in any scientific sense.

TikTok’s screen-swiping and Netflix’s Shuffle are similar in that both deliver virtually infinite, individualized video content. However, 15-second smartphone clips from ordinary people are much different than 2.5-hour professional-produced films. Is one spontaneous selection harder to resist than the other?

There should be a study, but it seems that TikTok's bite-sized content could be harder to forgo—like eating potato chips versus stuffed baked potatoes. Both are good, but eating an additional stuffed baked potato is a big commitment, whereas popping one more potato chip, then another, is easy to start and sustain. So, if longer programs have even less allure for consuming ‘one more,’ it seems that neither Netflix nor TikTok is truly addictive.

Having cleared the ethical hurdle, there’s still one more important consideration—effectiveness: Will people really want to use Netflix’s Shuffle? So far, reviews of the feature appear tepid; for instance, some have tweeted:

“Interesting new feature @netflix ... but what kind of insane person just says, “yolo, let’s spin the Netflix wheel of fortune”? (@TurnerLevison)
“they been testing this for months on mine and it’s trash, they put two things on your recently watched and if u shuffle again it’s just Netflix Originals.” (@BlondDaya)

Unfortunately, Netflix didn’t include me in its test market, so I haven’t been able to try the feature, but I have a hard time seeing many people using it. First, Netflix already curates at least somewhat customized selections that users can see at a glance on their home screens. Second, it may be frustrating or even mildly offensive to receive specific recommendations that make one wonder, “Why are they suggesting that for me?!”

To that point, after I stopped watching high-diving, I asked Xfinity to “Surprise Me.” It suggested Hallmark Channel’s “Tulips in Spring.” I had no problem declining that recommendation, which must have been meant for someone else in this house.

Given TikTok’s ‘swiping’ success, it wasn’t a bad idea for Netflix to test a ‘surprise me’ feature for its streaming service. It seems unlikely, though, that the same consumption behavior will transfer to considerably longer program content, which makes Shuffle Play a fitting selection for “Simple-Minded Marketing.”

Subscribe to Mindful Matters blog.
Learn more about the Mindful Matrix.
Check out Mindful Marketing Ads and Vote your Mind!

29 Comments

KATELYN AVON

9/2/2020 10:58:39 pm

To answer the question of "Does a shuffle feature make streaming too tempting and difficult to deny?"- I am a consumer of Netflix, and personally, I would like to pick the shows/movies I watch. I would not prefer a /shuffle service' because, chances are I might not approve of what Netflix picks for me. The idea is innovative, but I feel as if it would only work for short videos- like Tik Tok, or music. If you do not like what is on your music playlist or TIk Tok page, you can either listen/watch or simply just skip. Netflix has already established itself as a diverse and creative streaming service with lots of viewing options, such as "top picks for you", etc. So, if Netflix were to add another streaming service, I personally believe (as a consumer of Netflix) it would not be successful.

Bryce Doane

9/3/2020 01:06:21 pm

I see Netflix's testing of the Shuffle button as both a way to combat their increasingly stagnant service, while also adding a recommendation feature that many users are already used to. It's not news to anyone that Netflix has been losing its dominance in the streaming industry as they lose big titles to new services such as Disney+, Peacock, and Hulu. With less of viewers favorite shows on the platform, the Shuffle button allows users to get the types of shows they're looking for (based on past shows) without having the EXACT show they may be wanting to watch. The button also allows Netflix users who have "already watched everything there is to watch" to randomize and pick a show that they may have never seen or considered before. Personally, I know Netflix has surprised me with a "no name" movie or show that I watched at random and really appealed to my interests. I think that if this feature were to be laid out across all Netflix users, it would start to be used more than expected as viewers are looking for new things to watch more and more without the extra fee of a new streaming service.

Tyler Akles

9/3/2020 07:36:53 pm

In my opinion, Netflix adding in a "shuffle" feature is a subjective feature, meaning that it depends on the type of person using Netflix. I personally would never use it since my Netflix experience it mostly tied to old sitcoms and a few Netflix originals, but I imagine that some people would find it to be a useful service. In my opinion, however, the percentage of people that will find Netflix shuffle to be a useful feature will be slim. I imagine that most people, even the hardcore binge watchers, will stick to what they would normally watch or are recommended to watch. Shuffle Play has an opportunity to be useful, but can turn users off very quickly if it makes the wrong recommendation.

Joe Crocenzi

9/3/2020 08:27:15 pm

I do not believe that Netflix's new "shuffle" feature will make streaming too difficult to ignore. First, I don't believe that viewers will use this shuffle feature very much due to the fact that streaming is used by people so they can pick what they want when they want. Randomness will not be tolerated well by consumers. I also agree with what the blog said about Netflix being like a baked potato. Starting a two hour film is a lot to do on a whim. I think that this feature will find a nice niche market for Netflix and it will be popular with social gatherings. However, I do not see it impacting the streaming game to a large extent or making streaming more addicting than it already is.

Lindsey Bernd

9/3/2020 08:30:08 pm

The primary goal of the new Netflix Shuffle Play feature seems to be to combat indecisiveness of the users of Netflix. We have all aimlessly scrolled through the streaming service’s movies and tv shows only to realize you have spent more time trying to make a decision than actually enjoying watching a show.
A good point brought up in the article was the comparison between Tik Tok swiping and Netflix Shuffle. The Shuffle feature is distinctively different from Tik Tok’s swipe as videos on Tik Tok only last a few seconds. Similarly to a shuffle feature for listening to music. Songs only last two minute which is far less of a commitment than a 40 minute episode or 2 hour long documentary. In some sense, it seems as though this service may counter what Netflix and other streaming services aimed for in the beginning: the freedom for viewers to view what they want to view. I suppose that is also where the indecisiveness comes in to play though.
As someone who is very indecisive when it comes to decisions such as these, I do not believe that using this service would signal digital drunkenness, but instead to fight the endless searching and quickly find content tailored to an individual’s taste. I like the psychological concepts provided in the article. Yes, people eventually do grow tired of things they initially like and I can attest to this within the category of shows and movies. I often find myself asking others what shows they recently watched or binged over quarantine, most likely due to variety-seeking behavior. In this aspect, I can see this new feature as being a great tool to expose users to new content based on previous habits.
I would have to agree on the conclusion this article gives. I can clearly see the appeal and goal of the Shuffle feature, but struggle to see the long term use of the feature by users. A show, movie or documentary seems too much of a commitment for a random, “let’s see what I get” feature. In terms of the mindful marketing matrix, I agree with the idea that this feature seems simple-minded in the fact that I propose many users will not use the new feature which therefore does not create much stakeholder value for the company.

Emily Albanese

9/3/2020 08:57:57 pm

I am an avid Netflix user, and I can say from personal experience that I would never use this new feature. I am a very indecisive person and I am hesitant to start new shows because it takes a certain level of commitment and risk to do so. As a busy college athlete, time is precious, so I don't take a lot of risks when it comes to watching tv shows or movies. My personal preference is to watch a show that I have heard very positive/consistent comments about because I then know it may be worth my free time to give it a chance. Otherwise, I tend to just rewatch shows that I know will not disappoint me or waste my times. This new feature was not a completely horribly idea considering that today's new features and technologies are based on efficiency and simplicity, but I do think that it was an unnecessary addition. As it is, I don't even pay attention to the shows that I match up with based on my past viewing/watching history because I have not heard enough about the quality of the shows or if it is worth my time to try watching them.I think that because there is a lot of risk that comes with watching new shows, many Netflix users may be hesitant to utilizing the new Shuffle Play feature.

Christian Santangini

9/3/2020 09:18:49 pm

I personally love the idea of Netflix having a shuffle feature and hope that it is something they actually implement in their streaming service. I think that it could be unique feature that differentiates Netflix from Hulu and other streaming services. For people like me that are indecisive and have a hard time picking a show or movie to watch I believe that it can make Netflix even greater than it already is. For the people that don't like the shuffle feature for whatever reasons, weather they are loyal sitcom show watchers, want to be in-control of what they watch, or don't like the shows being picked then they can just completely ignore the feature and don't use it. This way it doesn't really have a negative effect on Netflix but adds a sweet new option for the ones that will enjoy it. Now in regards to whether the shuffle feature will make binge watching easier or more common, I think that it wont really increase the amount of hours users already do spend on Netflix. Because it all depends on the personality of the viewer. If viewers have the self control to stop watching Netflix they can just shut off the tv and continue on with their day. But people who typically binge watch will do it regardless. We all know that "just one episode tonight" always turns into a downward spiral of watching 5 episodes in a single night.

Joey DePaul

9/3/2020 10:46:31 pm

This new move by Netflix to add this "shuffle button" does not seem to be work it in my eyes. Between the user always scrolling and searching for things to do, I can see why they thought this is a good idea. However, with as many options as there are on Netflix of shows and movies, I genuinely do not think any consumer, like myself, would let an algorithm pick my show and I would watch it. I am far too picky for this. In addition, Netflix already has recommendation features such as "recommended because you watched x" and "more like this". I believe this button will serve prove itself as useless. As the icing on the cake, I feel as though some users will not like the idea that they are reminded of when Netflix is tracking what they watch and using their data to create this shuffle option. Although seemingly harmless, this could turn some consumers away. Overall, I see this as a niche feature that could be used by some, but not by most. I see this as mindless on the basis that it does not benefit the organization in any tangible or sizable way.

Catherine Arke

9/3/2020 10:51:22 pm

As someone who has been using Netflix a lot more due to the quarantine, I would say that I probably wouldn't use the new shuffle feature. I think a lot of users stick to what they know and are recommended by their friends, rather than what the app would choose for them. I know that I would personally prefer to watch something I've at least heard of, rather than something that is completely new. However, I will say that I agree with what some of the other people said above in the sense that this feature could be compelling for those who are more indecisive. It could be a fun aspect to use if a group of friends are trying to decide on something to watch, but just can't agree. Overall, I feel like the idea that Netflix has is creative and could work for some people, but in general I would say that users wouldn't take advantage of it as much as the company might think.

Tanner Stern

9/4/2020 12:52:07 am

I saw this article on LinkedIn and I read it almost out of spite. I am not a subscriber to Netflix, nor to any streaming service. This is partially because I am a college student without funds or a steady source of income. Yet I do not envy my fellow twenty-somethings who do have streaming services because I have observed in a significant number of them an inability to step away from the screen.

Too many of my friends go directly to Netflix and "binge" for hours to pass the time. I think the negative connotation on "binging" has been lost in my generation. I was rather bothered at a recent Verizon commercial (https://ispot.tv/a/nMyd) which normalized what I would consider to be excessive use of entertainment. I am not immune to this tendency myself, but I take no pride in "entertainment culture."

I was pleased, though, that you think our culture has not gone so far as to mindlessly "shuffle" 45-minute-long shows! This was a comfort, and your points were well-made. Even so, your comments about TikTok still urge caution. The same can be said of YouTube. Among my friends, "YouTube spiral" has become a common phrase: employed when someone cannot help but watch one of the recommended videos... a process repeated indefinitely or until one realizes they are five minutes late to class!

Luke Kapp

9/4/2020 08:44:23 am

I think Netflix is on the right track with adding this shuffle service. It is still in the testing stages, which means they will likely make improvements to make it better. I think I would personally use it, as I can be pretty indecisive when it comes to picking a show, which is why I really only watch one, because I can't pick something else to watch. I think the Satiation effect mentioned in the post is setting in, so I am eventually going to have to find something else, and the shuffle might help me do that. I personally would put this into the mindful category, because I think many people will find this useful, and it's nice to have that option even if you never use it. I read some of the other comments, and I like something Joey DePaul's brought up in his comment. He brought up a good point about having a shuffle feature reminds users that Netflix is tracking their data. That is definitely a big turn off for many people, including me, but then I wonder who isn't tracking my data. We know social media companies do, TikTok does too. We all just blindly accept the terms and conditions for every app without reading them. If people decide to use the shuffle future, it could break up the hours binging on Netflix if the shuffle brings up uninteresting shows to the viewer, they may decide to go do something else. That is probably not one of Netflix's goals, but it could indirectly have an impact on the amount watch time per person. Adding this shuffle feature saves time from people browsing the entirety of Netflix, and instead gets them to start watching a show quickly in the hopes the viewer is interested in it. As long as it doesn't require too much of Netflix's time, it seems like a little feature that users can decide if they want to use or not.

Carson Spangler

9/4/2020 11:03:38 am

In my opinion, Netflix will not be benefiting from their new shuffle feature as much as they may have anticipated. Personally, I am very selective when it comes to the shows that I enjoy watching. Although it is a good idea to give viewers the chance to mix things up, the vast majority of people using Netflix are going to want to choose the show they will be watching. If Netflix made the shuffle feature where the viewer can be selective in what is shuffled I think it would be used more often. I don't watch Netflix much, but when I do I typically stick to a few shows that I know I am going to enjoy, therefore regardless of the changes that Netflix may make to the shuffle play, I probably will never use it. This new and innovative way of watching shows is definitely a great start for Netflix and is a nice feature to have for people that are indecisive. Through more trial and error I think Netflix will be able to improve the shuffle play and make it into something that will be used by the vast majority of their viewers.

Matt Glogowski

9/4/2020 04:48:24 pm

I believe the decision to add suffle as an option is good option to continue expanding Netfix's product in adding more features. I also believe that this additional shuffle won't be used that much. Though it is true that many people take forever to choose a movie or TV show to watch, the reasoning behind it is because they want to watch something worthwile. In the shuffle, a random movie/TV show will play, and this doesn't fulfill the desire of the customer to watch something interesting; it simply gives an option for the customer so they don't have to make the decision. I still believe the recomended section currently on Netfilx is the best option for customers. At the end of the day, adding a shuffle option will still be used and also provides a marketing advantage by giving Netflix something new to work with.

Romina Nunez

9/14/2020 07:55:51 pm

I believe that this new shuffle option will benefit customers more than Netflix itself. Since, this new feature will probably not bring new clients, but help keep the ones it already has by providing them with different options. However, it is true that some people already know what they want (they do not need suggestions), which in this case, the shuffle idea will be of no use. Yet, it is also true that other people want or need options/suggestions. They want to expand their possibilities, not just be stuck with what they are familiar with. Something that they will be able to do with the shuffle option.
So, why is the shuffle feature a good idea overall? Well, because it will provide indecisive customers with options that they may have never chosen before. After all, we do not know whether we will like something or not until we try it. And the best part is, that users are not obligated to use the shuffle feature, they can opt to not use it. In other words, it’s a win-win for customers since they do not loose anything from using it, in fact, may even benefit from its use.

Luke Meads

9/15/2020 06:24:35 pm

I agree with many of the other Netflix users, adding a shuffle option will not be very successful feature. Netflix already has other algorithms in place that looks at past shows you have watched and makes suggestions of things you might like. I know I won't be letting Netflix choose what I will be watching for the next 30- 120 minutes. If I am going to commit to an recreational activity for that long, I would be choosing it myself. If I had to place this in the mindful matrix, I would say that this was a simple-minded decision to add a shuffle playlist. I don't see anything ethically wrong with the feature but I believe that the shuffle trend will not become popular for Netflix as it did for Tik Tok.

Andy Kenny

9/16/2020 12:55:55 pm

I would say that adding a shuffle feature would not necessarily be effective for Netflix. I am not sure why they feel like they need to introduce it because of the ways they already have of recommending shows or movies to users. They have a feature which shows how close a match one show or movie to another that you have already seen. They are also able to show you what you may like because you watched something else. I could see why the shuffle feature might be helpful to couples and other people who can't decide on something to watch, however, the shuffle feature may not find a show or movie that one or both of the people likes. It may try to find a compromise for the people, however, there are no guarantees that the choice will be liked. I would also agree that this is simple minded marketing because it is upholding features that consumers appreciate but it isn't persuading enough and I don't believe it conforms to customers' needs either.

Jordan Garrison

9/16/2020 05:23:10 pm

Netflix at the moment is just testing out new things that maybe people will like or maybe they won't. This whole shuffle feature does not make any sense in my head at all. Netflix already has a suggested feature for shows you have not watched so what is the point of integrating something where you watch some random show you may or may not like? Most people I think are pretty picky about what shows they are watching because it is something that takes up time so it would have to be something interesting that gets their attention and I do not believe the shuffle will help at all. It makes me think more of music than watching TV. I would suggest this as either simple minded or mindless. Simple minded because I do not see this creating any type of shareholder value. Mindless because it does not really affect any type of societal values.

Zack Venus

9/16/2020 09:33:53 pm

Personally, I have experienced this specific dilemma. I have also heard the dilemma through my friend group as we all have experienced high amounts of boredom during quarantine through the months of March, April and May. As we have had endless time on our hands, the time for digital streaming and screen time has increased a considerable amount. This amount has reached a pinnacle where people sit in front of their screens and just want about anything to play to give them digital entertainment and pleasure. While there are many entertaining shows and documentaries that are educational content, there are also many entertaining shows and movies that have seemed to show effects of “digital drunkenness” for those around America today. Netflix is a very easy access platform because of its inexpensive entertainment. As Americans, we want easy and cheap and Netflix gives us that. Reading this article, I see why Netflix is aiming to introduce this “Shuffle” button. Primarily so they can pull their users out of streaming ruts to provide them with new personally satisfying choices, keeping them wanting even more. Netflix, like tiktok is looking to deliver infinite, personalized video content to bring a new exciting appeal of their platform to users. However, I don’t think Netflix should push their marketing with this new shuffle bottom. I have difficulty seeing people use a Netflix shuffle button. Primarily because Netflix already matches and pairs you with shows that they think you would enjoy. They use an algorithm to provide percentages with shows they think would be a poor fit for you, a good fit for you, or a great fit for you. I think that Netflix shouldn’t go through with this shuffle button marketing. However, they should keep looking for ways to keep their streaming platform fresh and exciting like introducing a notification/reminder system to alert their users when their new or favorite shows release/air.

Cassidy Barlock

9/17/2020 01:25:56 am

I have been a Netflix user for years now, and I am not too sure how I feel about this new "shuffle" feature. At first glance, it seems like it will be the 'best new thing,' but will it really? The only time I use a shuffle feature is when I am listening to my own personal playlists on Spotify. These are playlists that I have created, so I know what to expect but the shuffle feature still keeps me eager to see what song comes on next. I personally do not think that I would like a shuffle feature for my Netflix account. I have certain shows and movies that I watch, and the thought of something random and unknown being put in front of me after something I enjoyed is daunting. Netflix does a good job at recommending new shows and movies after I finish something. I think I would like to stick with just the recommendations, forget the shuffle feature.

Morgan Donahue

9/17/2020 11:02:43 am

I do agree with the fact that Netflix's new feature is in fact simple- minded. I had no idea that Netflix was even doing this on their streaming service. With that being said, it would be a nice option for people who are very indecisive (like me), but I do think that this would in fact hurt society because it is keeping people interested in their streaming service instead of being active and doing other things. I believe it is simple-minded because it does hold societal value. People who are indecisive now do not have to decide on things to watch anymore, now that Netflix can pick something for them based on their likes and browsing history. I do not think that there is any kind of stakeholders value here.

Sarah Lewis

10/26/2020 10:27:31 am

One question that Hagenbuch asks is “does a shuffle feature make streaming too tempting and difficult to deny?" I personally feel like this could be a useful feature for some viewers but not for others. For me, I enjoy changing up the types of movies or shows that I would normally watch, so this feature could be a helpful tool for someone like me. The article also brought up an interesting point comparing both the TikTok swiping feature to the Netflix shuffle, however, they are completely different since TikTok videos only last up to a minute and are created by ordinary people like us, while Netflix shows/movies can last up to two hours and are professionally produced. This type of feature makes more sense to be used on an app like TikTok rather than Netflix. As a result, I don’t think that adding this feature to Netflix would have any negative effect on them but instead adds a good option for other viewers who would enjoy it.

Joshua G

10/26/2020 01:51:28 pm

I agree that, "too much of a good thing is too much." I wonder about the interaction between this shuffle feature and society's values. I suppose that it is in line with much of society. The addition of so many members in the last year (as more and more people have stayed in), certainly seems to suggest that the mindless consumption of entertainment is a societal value. I agree that this particular function seems, on the basis of Netflix content length, to be somewhat dysfunctional. But isn't mindless, consumption an undesirable societal value? Is what "should" or "shouldn't be" a value considered in the matrix? If so, wouldn't that start to push this feature into the mindless camp?

Rebeka Preston

10/26/2020 06:17:01 pm

For me I find myself having a very hard time picking a tv show or movie to watch that I have not already watch or one that looks interesting to me. I think the shuffle feature does make it too difficult for people to turn away from wasting countless hours on Netflix. I mean we can compare it to shuffling music, I would not always pick certain songs but I will spend time listening to them if they come up on shuffle. I find the satiation effect very intriguing. Many times me or people I know will start shows and binge them for one to two seasons. After a while we grow bored of them and start a new show rather than finishing it through to the end. I think the shuffle feature is a smart idea for those who have time to watch a show and truly do not know what they want to watch. However, I do not see it being an effective method for those searching for stuff to 'binge'.

Ana Norio Bran

10/26/2020 06:43:17 pm

I think that this new feature for Netflix is quite beneficial to those who have a hard time deciding what to watch. As someone who watches Netflix, I understand how at times its difficult to pick a show or movie with so many options available. People can spend hours looking for something interesting to watch and at times just give up all together so this new feature can help those that are more indecisive. There is also the point in the blog where it states "it may be frustrating or even mildly offensive to receive specific recommendations that make one wonder, “Why are they suggesting that for me?!” which I find to be interesting. I believe that what Netflix hopes to do is bring attention around shows that may not have the most exposure within their streaming service, so when they have this feature available, it brings new viewers. this feature would allow more viewership on a specific show or film and might give it more popularity within the streaming service.

Nicole Bernal Moné

10/27/2020 02:28:13 am

I am impressed I never knew about this new feature for Netflix, maybe it never happened for my Netflix account. I have definitely been someone to spend so much time trying to choose a movie to watch so I think I would be part of their target market. On paper, this feature looks promising, but in reality there are more implications. It is one of those things that seem promising but end up being unnecessary.

Christian A Molina

10/27/2020 07:24:19 am

This was a very interesting article. I did not realize that this feature was such a big deal. I noticed that sometimes when my program was finished that another program would play, but I did not know how thought out this feature was. Personally, I don't use this feature almost at all. I think that people already know what they want to watch before they open Netflix. The difference between Netflix and TikTok is that watching an episode or a movie is way more of an investment of time than TikTok and requires more attention span. Users usually research movies and shows before they watch it and determine if its work the investment of time. Although this feature might be overlooked, l I do not think that it should be Netflix's responsibility to coddle the user. It is Netflix's job to continue innovating for the user and let the user decide if they want to use their innovations or not.

Michael Mohebiravesh

10/27/2020 11:14:53 am

Ive personally never heard of this feature on Netlfix, so this was really interesting for me to go through. I myself dont use netflix too often, but when I do, I know what I already want to watch, so maybe thats why I havent had the need to even find this feature. However there has been so many times me and my friends would spend hours trying to choose something to watch, so this feature would be really beneficial in times like that. However all in all I think the bad outweighs the good for this feature in the sense that Netflix isnt something people need to survive, so to act like there has to be a feature for non stop binge watching is actually kind of sickening in a sense too.

Sarah Duran

10/28/2020 12:21:11 am

This was a very informative article. I had never heard of the randomize feature on Netflix, and think it is kinda sad how little by little we are unable to make decisions for ourselves. Rather, we let the computer or software decide for us. Although this feature might be overlooked, it is Netflix's job to continue innovating for the user and bring forth new ways to accommodate the needs of the user. I think the shuffle feature is a smart idea for those who have time to watch a show and truly do not know what they want to watch. However, I do not see it being an effective method for those searching for stuff to 'binge'.

Jared Donnel

10/30/2020 01:48:58 am

I chose this particular article because I saw the Netflix logo, and was very surprised to learn something new. I had no idea about the shuffle feature and am very excited to try it out. I think another idea that relates to this is the rapidly dwindling ability in humans to effective use their long term or even short-term memory. Since the invention of video, so much of our memory is recorded and doesn't have to be memorized by us. I think the shuffle feature on Netflix is a great idea, but may fall flat in practice.

Does Using “Shuffle” Mean You’re Already ‘Stuffed Full’?

Leave a Reply.

Editor

Archives

Categories