Netflix Killed the Novel

I have always identified as a reader, a bookworm, a bibliophile – I aspire to one day own a library full of books, of which I will likely have only read and only be able to read a small fraction.

And yet, lately I have been reading less and less. I feel I’m averaging about 15 minutes a day, if that.

Why, you ask?

Netflix.

I used to read before bed, now I watch Netflix because it’s easier. And there are so many books-turned-movies; books I mean to read, but can’t seem to commit the time to, but which I can now watch in a fraction of the time. Now, we all know the books are better than the movies, but watching the movie gives you enough information to contribute to the conversation and opens a dialogue about similarities and differences – better than having to say “Oh, I haven’t read that one yet” and standing around awkwardly with nothing else to add.

I used to read a book while I ate dinner, but now I watch Netflix while I cook. Then, naturally, I have to finish out the episode/film while I eat – which is actually a terrible habit, apparently… Oops!

I used to use reading as a reward for productivity. I would draft up my to-do list for the night and jot down my reward, 1 chapter for every 2-3 tasks accomplished on the list. But Netflix has got me so hooked on series (not even good ones, but I made the mistake of getting emotionally invested…) that I chose Netflix over book chapters as my incentive.

AND, now you can download Netflix episodes on your phone… to which my head says “YAS!” but my heart says “Well, there goes any hope of reading during your long commute days!” – WOMP!

Okay, to be fair, it not just Netflix, other technological time sucks are also to blame: the numerous addictive and utterly useless game apps I have on my phone, countless hours of pointless internet browsing (looking at you Pinterest and Amazon!), and a ridiculous obsession with compulsively checking Facebook… Plus my ereader recently gave out on me (R.I.P. Kirk) which has made reading on-the-go a bit more challenging.

So, truthfully, Netflix is not the only culprit, BUT it is a big one.

Do you find yourself reading less novels and having to constantly answer Netflix’s “Are you still watching?” message? How do you combat the growing strength of the Netflix presence? What tips do you have to maintain your regular reading quotas?