WS warns us of the dangers of many addictions. We know to steer clear of all sorts of drugs that our reputable newspaper will not name. But unfortunately, as another year is getting underway, it seems our school has overlooked the most widespread, destructive addiction there is.
Netflix, with its alluring red glow and unlimited array of TV shows and poorly-researched documentaries, has sucked us in, and we are powerless to stop it.
For senior Maddie Budreau, it started out seeming like no big deal. But then she discovered Dexter, and by the end of her junior year, she was binge-watching entire seasons in less than a week. But, like any addict, she had her justifications.
“I mean… it was after AP exams,” said Budreau. “We didn’t have that much homework, it was no big deal ok?”
But her mom saw things differently, and cut off the drug supply at its source, cancelling the family Netflix subscription. But, as anyone can tell you, an addict can’t change unless they decide they need to. Budreau resorted to stealing to fuel her addiction.
“I had to tweet about it, and then this girl slid into my DMs and, god bless her, she gave me her password,” said Budreau.
She and her sister, sophomore Lauren Budreau, now use a contraband account to smuggle Netflix into the house without their mother’s knowledge. And the addiction is as strong as ever.
“[My little sister] watched an entire season of ‘Once Upon a Time’ in one week, on her phone,” said senior Budreau. “They didn’t even know she was on Netflix, they thought she was doing homework.”
But this destructive cycle is not unique to the Budreaus. Our school is full of junkies, sacrificing success in academics, extracurricular activities, and relationships to fulfill the burning desire to find out what happens next in “Orange is the New Black” or “House of Cards.” But there is hope. Senior John Wilson provides one inspiring example of how it is possible to escape addiction to create a better life.
“Last year I… focused more on watching shows than on doing my homework,” said Wilson. “I was less focused on extracurriculars and academics.”
But Wilson realized this was no way to live, and he made some changes. He still watches “Archer and Dexter,” but in moderation. It no longer crowds out the rest of his life, as it does for so many others here at WS.
“I have recovered, and I am no longer taken in by the evil trap of Netflix,” said Wilson.