Streaming Storm

By Kyle Min

Los Alamitos High School

In the year 2020, the world was rushed into quarantine to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Everyone found their own unique ways of dealing with social distancing regulations, such as hiking, hobbies, passions, and family. However, one thing has also spread across the US: streaming services.

Before, many found joy in watching Netflix or Youtube when time permitted them. Now without physical interactions, many sought comfort in the endless library of movies and TV shows. With quarantine being lonely and boredom creeping in, the streaming service industry now has even higher attention from the public, which calls to question its benefits.

As expected, the debate of entertainment remains divided with parents treating the new streaming services like video games and others arguing for its inherent benefits. Can they truly be beneficial despite other forms of entertainment? The answer is rather simple: yes, they can.

The constant viewing of streaming services can be detrimental to certain individuals, however this can be applied to television, video games, and social media. Like these forms of entertainment they can reap benefits that can improve the well-being of mankind.

Countless articles and scientific studies can confirm this shocking revelation, such as one study from the University of California Santa Barbara, which claims that escapism can bring satisfaction and positivity. UCSB communication professor, Robin Nabi, adds that TV also has therapeutic effects such as social connection and diversion.

A junior from Sunny Hills High School, Daniel Kong, confirms the comfort streaming services have provided during these difficult times. “Yes, especially in times like these where we are not allowed to go out, streaming services are one of the few available options we have to watch videos and such.”

Lianne Cha, a junior from Oxford Academy, notes the additional economic benefits claiming that, “Streaming services are beneficial because it’s a service a lot of people pay for and because so many people have bought this over the quarantine especially, it’s helped the economy.”

Instead of looking at the new streaming services with sole skepticism, it is also important to remember the benefits of these gifts. Quarantine has demonstrated the value of the streaming services by providing us an escape from the grim environment. Streaming services have also empowered the economy during a difficult time. With the countless economic and emotional stimuli, it is no wonder streaming services are becoming one of the most powerful forms of entertainment today.