Over-the-top (OTT) platforms are becoming ever more popular now, but these platforms frequently offer controversial content that violates social norms. These platforms are become a safe place for unethical and provoking narrative that covers everything; from violence and nudity to touchy issues like drugs, crime, and religion. Yes it’s true that these platforms allow for artistic expression and freedom of speech, but how come we deny the harmful impact on societal morality. Especially for our new generation whom we call Gen Z, they may get easily desensitized and lose their sense of good and wrong if they are exposed to negative and disturbing content frequently on OTT.
Normalization of Violence and Crime
A 2019 study found that 1 in 3 Netflix shows for teens featured violence or crime, with over half of the shows surveyed glamorizing these acts. When violence and criminal behavior are portrayed as exciting or admirable, it can desensitize viewers and distort their views on right and wrong. Frequent exposure to shows promoting harmful behaviors like bullying, theft or illegal activities presents them as acceptable and normal parts of life.
Spread of Misinformation and Fake News
The spread of misinformation and “fake news” on OTT platforms is a serious concern. As streaming services have become more popular, they have also become breeding grounds for the propagation of falsehoods and misleading content.
Lack of Fact-Checking
Unlike traditional media outlets, streaming platforms rarely fact-check the content uploaded to their services. This allows dubious claims, conspiracy theories, and outright lies to spread widely without correction. Viewers can be easily misled by slickly-produced content that lacks factual accuracy. The algorithms used by platforms to recommend and boost content also do not filter for truthfulness. They are aimed at maximizing watch time and engagement, regardless of a video’s veracity.
The Future of Streaming and Social Responsibility
With great power comes great responsibility, streaming services must implement standards and policies to uphold certain ethical values.
😶Developing content policies that prohibit the promotion of hate speech, intolerance, and socially harmful misinformation.
😶Listening to audiences and researchers to better understand the psychological impacts of streaming content, especially on young viewers.
Conclusion
As consumers, we must be more discerning in what we choose to watch and support. The future of entertainment and society depends on the choices we make today.
