![]() He further argues that ‘sexual activity needs to be coordinated with others in interactions, which often can be awkward and discordant when people do not draw on the same sexual scripts’ (Izienicki, 2022, p.47). Furthermore, Izienicki (2022, p.41) highlights the specific heteronormative role expectations within the encounter, such as men being ‘always ready for sex’ and taking a dominant role. This sequencing is also evidenced in many internet articles explaining how to Netflix & Chill successfully ( Jenkins, 2016 Golby, 2015). However, Izienicki (2022, p.41) also suggests that Netflix & Chill fits more broadly into cultural scripts and is supported by interpersonal scripts, which tend to follow a sequence of ‘alcohol “pregaming” and “hanging out” to foreplay and intercourse’. This script is demonstrated by Izienicki ( 2022), who had students create a guide for a successful Netflix & Chill encounter, thus highlighting how sexual behaviour is learned and often follows a sequence. Netflix & Chill fits into the cultural script of Western society because it is a guide that exists ‘at the level of collective life’ in which ‘the requirements and the practice of specific roles are given’ (Simon & Gagnon, 1984, p.31). They suggest there are three scripts underpinning our sexual behaviour intrapsychic (fantasies), interpersonal (interactions between people), and cultural scripts (ways of having sex deemed acceptable by society). They argue that the sexual narratives adopted by society offer scripts for people to follow, which guide them on how to have culturally appropriate sex and sexual thoughts. Simon and Gagnon (1984) used their sexual script theory to argue that sexual behaviour is not biologically driven but learned through socialisation. Netflix & Chill has arguably become widely accepted in Western society because it fits comfortably within the boundaries of heteronormative social norms and cultural sexual scripts (Pilipets, 2019, p.7). This is especially true for women living in societies that shame sexually open women (Magnanti, 2012, p.102 Hawkes, 2004, p.8). Therefore, a discreet code facilitates people being as open as possible without feeling judged for their desires. ![]() Cultural consumption, for example, viewing Netflix and sharing internet memes, can ‘mutate through networked activities of sharing, tagging, and liking’, argues Pilipets (2019, p.5), which explains how media convergence has impacted the meaning of Netflix & Chill through online engagement.Īrguably for people to avoid ambiguity and be explicit about their desires is easier and safer, but in Western society, this is culturally inappropriate (Herzog, 2022). The term gained mainstream traction in 2015 when Netflix US ( 2015) created a Twitter meme highlighting ‘the ambiguous sexual connotation of “Netflix and chill”’ (Pilipets, 2019, p.5). It is a ‘21st-century version of “Do you want to come up for some coffee?”’(Rickett, 2015, p.1). ![]() The phrase ‘Netflix and Chill’ has been around since roughly 2009 and used to mean relaxing while watching Netflix, but it has since developed sexual connotations and is now a youth code phrase used to invite someone over for casual sex ( Rickett, 2015). Finally, the essay will examine the branding behind the phrase in the context of media convergence theory to offer explanations for the causes behind the Netflix & Chill phenomenon. The essay will go on to examine why this phenomenon occurs with Netflix specifically, as opposed to broadcast television, before addressing how the phrase Netflix & Chill came into Western vernacular. ![]() Uses and gratifications theory will be drawn on to examine why Netflix & Chill became so popular and to understand how Netflix’s functionality facilitates people specifically seeking gratifications. Simon and Gagnon’s (1984) sexual script theory will be used to demonstrate how the phenomenon fits comfortably into established cultural norms, followed by an exploration of how Netflix came to reside in private spaces and how it communicates messages about culturally appropriate sex. In addition to defining the term ‘Netflix & Chill’, this essay seeks to understand the context and causes behind the Netflix & Chill phenomenon and why it has become so widely socially accepted. This essay was submitted as part of the TV Times module in the Media & Culture side of my BA degree.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |