Could streaming be a comfort zone for young people?


Just four in ten TV viewers watch TV shows and movies without other distractions, according to ‘The Stream 2025’ report. — AFP Relaxnews

After a long day, what could be better than unwinding with a TV show? For many, this ritual goes beyond mere entertainment and becomes a veritable refuge. Indeed, streaming is a source of comfort that some feel the need to preserve. According to one study, 70% of Americans refuse to share their streaming account details unless their relationship is deemed serious enough.

If you can't get away from it all to take your mind off things, watching your favorite TV show can also be a great form of escapism. According to "The Stream 2025” report, carried out by The Harris Poll for Tubi in the US, a majority of adults would much rather stream a TV series (59%) than listen to music (50%) to unwind mentally.

While for many this is a more solitary activity, around three in four consumers (72%) say that streaming is a way of spending quality time with loved ones. An idea widely shared by Generation Z. Watching a favorite TV show or "comfort” movie on streaming becomes a way of strengthening relationships in real life. Some 42% of those surveyed prefer to do this by visiting friends, while 22% exchange messages with their loved ones.

Gen Zers don't hesitate to do other things while they're watching. In fact, 31% go on social networks to interact with other internet users and discover their reactions and comments about the show they're watching. A reflex that allows them to share, feel part of a community and freely express their opinions.

Meanwhile, seven in ten people admit that they don't share their streaming account details until the relationship gets serious. This can be a way of preserving their comfort zone, but also of avoiding awkward situations.

According to the report, 44% of Gen Zers admit to having used their ex-partner's account after their breakup. Plus, 53% of young people say that sharing logins with loved ones has complicated their relationships. And 38% even admit to having broken up with their partner because of their taste in TV shows and films.

While this information may raise a smile, the report states that more than half of those surveyed say they spend between one and three hours at a time in front of their screen, while 38% spend three hours.

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Ultimately, streaming has become a space where young people can not only relax, but also strengthen their social ties, while preserving their mental health. – AFP Relaxnews 

*The study was conducted online in the USA by The Harris Poll on behalf of Tubi, from Oct 21 to Nov 1, 2024, among 2,502 adults aged over 18 watching streaming videos at least one hour a week.

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