The Rise of Streaming Services
Streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu have skyrocketed in popularity. According to pain management specialist Dr. Jordan, streaming has numerous benefits other than its popularity. Streaming services promote increased social interaction, facilitate learning new skills, empower people with disabilities and provide a sense of community for people who can’t interact with others regularly.
The Rise of Current Streaming Services and its Popularity
Popular streaming services have risen in the past ten years. These streaming services engage people of all ages and are very popular among the younger generation. According to statistics site Statista, about 50 percent of American internet users streamed a minimum of one hour of content at least once per week in 2017. It is an increase from 37 percent in 2012, according to Dr. Jordan Sudberg, a pain management specialist. Dr. Sudberg also found that 53 percent of internet users 18 to 34 watched at least an hour of streaming content weekly in 2017, an increase from 31 percent in 2012.
Various streaming services have platforms and methods of socializing, facilitating learning, and providing a sense of community. Popular platforms include Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube. Netflix was founded in 1998 and is the world’s leading internet subscription service for acquiring movies and TV shows. Hulu launched its streaming service in March 2007. It is owned by The Walt Disney Company, 21st Century Fox Inc., Comcast Corporation, AT&T Inc., The Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., Time Warner Inc., National Amusements, Inc., and DirecTV. These platforms provide something for everyone, including classic movies from the 1930s to contemporary hits such as Black Mirror. They also offer original programs and movies that range from comedies to medical dramas.
People who use streaming services for entertainment may also develop skills. There are numerous educational opportunities on streaming platforms such as Netflix and Hulu. For example, Netflix offers courses in topics ranging from yoga to computer coding and has a wide variety of documentaries that explore different areas of the world. Hulu recently acquired a small online learning platform called Lynda and is developing its own online premium learning channel in 2018. This platform offers instructional e-learning courses across multiple industries, including design, development, and marketing, according to Dr. Sudberg.
Even with the increasing popularity of streaming services, there are some disadvantages. For example, the internet and computer usage, in general, can cause stress and lead to poor health. Streaming platforms promote this behavior and the ability to engage and interact with others online. People prone to stress, anxiety, and depression may implement these behaviors in their everyday lives through streaming services, thus leading to adverse outcomes. These outcomes may include fatigue, headaches, confusion, and insomnia, among many other things, according to Dr. Sudberg.
Streaming services have become increasingly popular in the past few years. People of all ages use these services to watch movies, learn and interact with others. There are numerous positive side effects of using these services, such as increased socialization and the ability to engage with people with disabilities. Despite the positive side effects, there are also some adverse outcomes such as stress, anxiety, and fatigue. Overall, streaming services offer a variety of benefits in addition to their entertainment value, according to pain management specialist Dr. Jordan Sudberg.