Netflix asks: "Are you still watching?"
Cable TV asks: "Who cares? This is what's playing. Take it or leave it."
I disconnected my WiFi router from the TV. I plugged in a dusty Set-Top Box.
For 7 days, no Netflix, no YouTube, no Pause button. Just linear, ad-filled, scheduled Television.
> THE TYRANNY OF THE SCHEDULE
On Day 1, I wanted to watch a movie at 8:15 PM.
I checked the guide. The movie started at 8:00 PM.
I had missed the first 15 minutes.
Modern Brain: "Just restart it."
TV Brain: "Too bad. Try to guess the plot."
I watched the remaining 90 minutes trying to figure out why the hero was in jail. It was... engaging? I
had to pay extra attention to fill the gaps.
> THE BATHROOM BREAK STRATEGY
I forgot that peeing used to be a tactical operation. You wait for the commercial break. The moment the soap ad starts, you SPRINT. "Hurry up! It's coming back!" My roommate and I actually coordinated our snack runs. It added an adrenaline rush to simple biological functions that Netflix "Chill" lacks.
> THE SURFING
I ended up watching the Lion documentary. I would never have clicked this on Netflix. The thumbnail wouldn't have enticed me. But because it was the "Best Bad Option" available, I watched it. And I learned a lot about the Serengeti. Streaming gives you what you want. TV gives you what's on. Sometimes, what's on is better for you.
> THE SHARED EXPERIENCE
On Day 4, a Cricket Match was on. I knew that millions of other people were watching the exact same ball at the exact same second. Netflix visualizes "Trending," but it's not simultaneous. Live TV connects you to the 'Now'. You are part of a collective consciousness, all suffering through the same insurance ad together.
> CONCLUSION
I hated the ads. I hated the schedule. But I loved the structure. When the movie ended, it ended. Netflix auto-plays the next one, trapping you in a binge loop. TV actually lets you go to sleep.