Modern problems- Why choosing what to watch takes longer than watching it?

It starts with a simple goal: unwind, relax, and watch something. But two hours later, I’m still scrolling—deep in an emotional relationship with trailers, cast lists, and random IMDb rabbit holes.

Welcome to the streaming struggle.

I open Netflix, Prime, or whatever platform I’m emotionally attached to that day, thinking, “Just pick a show.” Suddenly, I’m in a mental ping-pong match. Do I want drama? Comedy? A documentary about cults I’ll never finish?

My brain says, “Pick a short episode.” My heart wants a movie but my soul wants peace.

Then the algorithms start yelling: “Because you watched…”“Trending now!”“95% match!”

Great. Now I feel guilty for not choosing the thing I apparently should love. Meanwhile, I’ve aged approximately three years and have nothing to show for it.

We used to flip channels. Now we have entire libraries—and somehow, that’s worse. The pressure to choose the perfect thing turns what should be a relaxing activity into a mildly stressful commitment.

And just when I think I’ve made a decision, I remember:

“Didn’t someone say this show had a slow start?” “Should I read reviews first?” “What if I get emotionally attached and it gets canceled after one season?”

So, naturally, I do what any reasonable person does… ..I rewatch Modern Family for the ninth time.

Streaming was supposed to give us freedom. Instead, it gave us fatigue, confusion, and emotional commitment issues.

Anyway, on a Friday night I’ll be scrolling again—snacks in hand, watching trailers like a movie critic, and still pressing play on nothing.

Thanks for reading!

If you’ve ever lost an hour just choosing, drop your comfort show in the comments. Let’s make indecision a community event :)