The Television Show You Love to Hate (or Just Love)

Tech companies profit more from exploiting our negative impulses than nurturing our positive ones. In the digital world, engagement is all that matters, regardless of the emotion driving it. A click fueled by anger is as valuable as one driven by joy.

This mentality has seeped into the entertainment industry, particularly streaming platforms. Their primary objective is to retain subscribers and generate ad revenue. Whether viewers love or hate a show is secondary; continuous watching is the ultimate goal. This doesn’t imply that streamers intentionally create infuriating content, but they benefit equally from both passionate fans and enraged critics. This phenomenon existed in the traditional ratings system, but streaming amplifies it.

Consider “Emily in Paris.” Its formulaic plot and questionable quality haven’t hindered its massive success, with 58 million households streaming the first season within its initial release. While the pandemic’s impact on viewership is undeniable, the show’s continued popularity into its fourth season solidifies its status as a major hit.

However, indulging in hate-watching has drawbacks. It negatively influences recommendation algorithms, leading to a feedback loop of similar, potentially disliked content. Furthermore, like doomscrolling or engaging with trolls, hate-watching reinforces negative habits and fosters cynicism that can extend beyond entertainment consumption. The momentary enjoyment can leave a lingering sense of negativity.

While acknowledging the allure of hate-watching, it’s crucial to recognize its potential downsides. Continuously consuming content that evokes anger can cultivate a negative mindset and skew algorithmic recommendations toward similarly frustrating shows. Choosing to engage with content that genuinely resonates with personal preferences contributes to a more positive viewing experience and a healthier mental state.