If we’ve learned nothing else of late I’m sure we’ve all at least come to one conclusion—it’s hard to keep a secret these days.
The technological age in which we live has presented its blessings and curses…lots of curses. If someone’s not snooping, then someone else is over-sharing—TMI is a real problem.
I am of course referring to the rampant spoiler culture that is destroying the world of procrastinating television viewing (also known as the DVR).
Yes, some people actually put off watching television. I presume it’s due to conflicting programming, but I’ve heard rumors of non-televised activities. I assume it’s movies, but I digress.
The point is, the world of social media is making it harder and harder to avoid spoilers. It takes only seconds on Twitter to have yet another “Game of Thrones” massacre surprise (but is it really a surprise?) ruined for you.
I have always been in strong opposition to the spoiler crowd. I can’t understand why you would be okay with knowing how something ends before you even begin, but I believe that both sides of this social media spoiler conflict may be at fault. So, in the tradition of fairness, I’d like to address both parties:
Spoilers (ones who do the spoiling): Be respectful of your fellow television viewers. Remember that moment of pure thrill when that really exciting thing happened on that favorite TV show of yours? That moment that you just had to immediately share with all of humanity? You just deprived many, many others of that moment. I understand wanting to share your emotions with your followers, but why not call a friend? Perhaps you might even consider watching the show with a friend. It’s hard to beat that immediate connection. And if you must tweet, keep it vague and spoiler free. Tweet unto others as you would have the tweet unto you.
Spoilees (ones harmed by the spoiling): If it really bothers you that much, which I get. I am on your side here, and there’s an obvious solution: DON’T GO ON TWITTER!!!
Problem solved. DVR culture saved.
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NBC News: Game of Spoilers: Social Media is Killing DVR Culture
…bi-daily smile…
