Netflix has just released a new study that indicates 46% of streaming couples are cheating on each other with Netflix. How? “Netflix cheating” refers to watching a TV show without your significant other. Netflix first discovered the phenomenon back in 2013, and since then cheating has increased by three times and 60% of Netflix streamers say they’d cheat even more if they were sure they’d get away with it. Not only that, 81% of cheaters are repeat offenders and 44% of cheaters have cheated on their significant others 3 or more times.
Where is cheating happening? (Everywhere)
Cheating happens all over the world…though it varies a bit by country. Turns out Canadians are a little less polite than you may think with over a third (37%) of couples streaming behind each other’s backs. The most cheaters are in Brazil and Mexico where 57% and 58% of streaming couples have cheated, respectively. The most loyal viewers are in Netherlands (73% have not cheated), Germany (65%) and Poland (60%).
What shows are we cheating one? (All of them)
While no show is off limits to some (30%), the top 10 cheating temptations in Canada are The Walking Dead, Breaking Bad, Orange is the New Black, Grey’s Anatomy, Bates Motel, Stranger Things, Gilmore Girls, House of Cards, Narcos and The 100.
Why do we cheat? (We just can’t help it)
Most don’t plan to cheat…it just happens: 76% of cheating is unplanned in Canada. The trigger for the growing trend in cheating? Two-thirds (66%) of cheaters globally said that “the shows are just so good we can’t stop bingeing.”
How do we cheat? (Any way we can)
Sleep with one eye open: 25% of global cheating happens when one partner falls asleep. But whether this is even cheating is hotly debated. Half say “sleep cheating” doesn’t count (53%), but the morality of “sleep cheating” varies across the globe. Chileans think it’s no big deal, Japan sees it as unforgivable and most Canadians (61%) say sleep cheating isn’t cheating at all.
Is cheating so bad? (Depends where you live)
If you stray, don’t beat yourself up about it. Cheating has become more socially acceptable in Canada, with 57% saying it’s “not bad at all.” Unless of course, you’re the other half of the 7% of streaming couples who think watching ahead is worse than having an “actual” affair. Hong Kong is even less forgiving where 40% feel watching ahead of your partner is worse than infidelity.
How do we break the news of this global trend? (Visually, of course)
Cheating comes in many forms. Netflix has created a series of assets to help explain the phenomenon. Cheating Profiles highlight the most common types of offenders lurking in households around the world. This infographic illustrates scandalous streamers’ motivations and behaviours. Will couples work through their indiscretions so they can protect their relationship… or keep on cheating?
Of course you could also learn how to say sorry Michael Bolton style:
Check out some of the cheater profiles below to see what category you fall into!
Are you one of those who cheats on your significant other with Netflix? Let us know in the comments below or on Google+, Twitter, or Facebook — if you dare fess up!
Last Updated on February 14, 2017.
