Many viewers admit to dividing their attention between television and their mobile devices, scrolling through social media instead of fully engaging with what’s on screen. This common habit has not gone unnoticed by streaming giant Netflix, as revealed by actor Matt Damon in a recent interview on The Joe Rogan Experience.
Netflix Adapts to Distracted Viewers
Damon, currently promoting the successful thriller El Botín alongside Ben Affleck – which debuted at the top of Netflix’s top 10 list – discussed how the platform is responding to this widespread behavior. According to Variety, Netflix is exploring ways to maintain viewer attention in an age of distraction.
The company is reportedly prioritizing action-packed scenes with fast pacing over extensive narrative development. Furthermore, Netflix is considering repeating key plot points multiple times within dialogue to ensure viewers don’t lose track of the story while simultaneously using their phones. “They’ve learned that the standard way to make an action movie is to have three acts. But now they say, ‘Can we do a big scene in the first five minutes? We want to keep people.’ And it wouldn’t be bad if the plot was repeated three or four times in the dialogue, because people are on their phones while they watch it,” Damon shared.
“Second Screen Viewing” is a Growing Trend
This phenomenon of simultaneously using a second screen while watching content – known as second screen viewing – is not new, and is increasingly recognized by industry professionals. Actress Jameela Jamil echoed Damon’s observations in a podcast with social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, noting that screenplays are being adapted to accommodate shorter attention spans.
Haidt pointed to a decline in concentration since 2012, particularly with the rise of short-form video. Jamil confirmed that scripts are being simplified, with characters explicitly stating plot points that would have previously been implied. “That’s why now in series, even with good actors, they say very obvious things about what’s happening. They explain the whole plot,” she stated.
Data from YouGov surveys in 2023 confirms this trend is international. Across 17 markets, a majority of consumers reported frequently using their mobile devices while watching television. India (60%), the United Arab Emirates (57%), and Australia (57%) showed the highest rates, followed by the United States (55%), the United Kingdom (55%), and Denmark (55%).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “second screen viewing?”
“Second screen viewing” refers to the habit of using a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, while simultaneously watching television or a movie.
What changes is Netflix considering?
Netflix is reportedly exploring increasing the frequency of action scenes and repeating plot points in dialogue to help viewers stay engaged even when distracted by their phones.
Is this trend limited to Netflix?
No, the trend of distracted viewing is widespread and impacting the entertainment industry as a whole, leading to changes in how screenplays are written and content is produced.
As streaming platforms and content creators adapt to changing viewing habits, how might this impact the future of storytelling and the depth of narratives presented to audiences?
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