Are you cheating on your partner with Netflix? You’re not alone
David Farnor | On 14, Feb 2017
Are you cheating on your partner with Netflix? You’re not alone, reveals new research, which confirms that love in the time of VOD truly is dead.
The survey, which polled couples around the world, found that Netflix cheating is on the rise worldwide, with people binge-watching ahead of their partners – and most only plan to cheat more.
Yes, no relationship is safe, says Netflix’s research, with 46 per cent of couples who stream shows together admitting to cheating on their significant other and skipping ahead behind their back. This ultimate betrayal of the sacred Netflix trust was first uncovered in a study in the USA in 2013. Four years later, cheating has increased three times and has become common behaviour around the world. Even worse, 60 per cent of customers say they’d cheat more if they knew they’d get away with it. And, like a salty Pringle of infidelity, once you cheat, you can’t stop: 81 per cent of cheaters are repeat offenders and 44 per cent have cheated three or more times.
It it really so bad? Well, it is if you’re in Hong Kong. While cheating has become more socially acceptable in many places, with 46 per cent saying it’s “not bad at all”, 40 per cent of viewers in Hong Kong think watching ahead of your partner is worse than having an actual affair.
What you need to know:
Where is it happening?
Everywhere.
Cheating happens all over the world, although the worst cheaters are in Brazil and Mexico where 57 per cent of streaming couples have cheated. The most loyal viewers are in Netherlands (73 per cent have not cheated), Germany (65 per cent) and Poland (60 per cent).
What shows are people cheating on?
All of them.
No show is off limits, found the study, but top cheating temptations are The Walking Dead (in the US), Breaking Bad, American Horror Story, House of Cards, Orange Is The New Black, Narcos, and Stranger Things.
Why are people cheating?
They just can’t help it.
Most don’t plan to cheat, it just happens: 80 per cent of cheating is unplanned. The trigger for the growing trend in cheating? Two-thirds (66 per cent) of cheaters said that “the shows are just so good we can’t stop bingeing”.
When do people cheat?
Whenever they can.
Sleep with one eye open: 25 per cent of cheating happens when one partner falls asleep. But whether this is even cheating is hotly debated. Half say “sleep cheating” doesn’t count (53 per cent), like Ross and Rachel being on a break, but the morality of “sleep cheating” varies across the globe. Chileans think it’s no big deal, Japan sees it as unforgivable. Many are still cheating in secret: 45 per cent never admit to their indiscretions.
Are you being cheated on?
Almost definitely.