Over-the-top (OTT) streaming services have revolutionized the way we consume movies and TV shows. On the one hand, they offer many advantages, such as convenience, accessibility, affordability, and variety. With just a few clicks or taps, you can watch thousands of titles from anywhere, anytime, and on any device, without ads or interruptions. You can also switch between genres, languages, and regions, and discover new content based on your preferences and recommendations.
However, some people argue that the rise of OTT has also had some negative impacts on the movie-watching experience. Here are some reasons why:
Loss of the communal aspect: One of the joys of watching a movie in a cinema or with a group of friends or family is the shared emotional and sensory experience. You can react to the story, characters, and scenes together, laugh, cry, gasp, and clap. With OTT, you may watch alone or with a limited audience, and miss the social bonding and feedback.
Lack of focus and immersion: When you watch a movie at home, you may face many distractions, such as phone calls, emails, messages, social media, snacks, pets, kids, or chores. These can interfere with your concentration and engagement with the movie, and dilute the impact of its storytelling and visuals. Moreover, the smaller screen, lower resolution, and inferior sound quality of some devices may reduce the cinematic effect and detail.
Oversaturation and exhaustion: The abundance of movies and TV shows on OTT can be overwhelming and exhausting. You may spend more time browsing and scrolling than watching, and end up feeling indecisive, disappointed, or indifferent. Moreover, the constant flood of new releases and recommendations can create a sense of pressure and anxiety to keep up with the trends and avoid spoilers.
Degradation of movie culture: Some people argue that OTT has contributed to the decline of movie culture and appreciation. With the ease of access and abundance of choices, many viewers may opt for the convenience and comfort of home streaming over the quality and novelty of cinema-going. Moreover, the lack of curation, education, and criticism on OTT platforms may lead to a homogenization of taste and a loss of diversity in film production and distribution.
Of course, these are not universal or absolute effects, and different people may have different preferences and experiences. Some may find OTT to be a boon for movie-watching, while others may miss the traditional modes of consumption. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide how to balance the benefits and drawbacks of OTT and make the most of your movie time.
