Dr Lisa Lin, Lecturer in Media Studies in the School of Arts, has written on the ways that people can enjoy watching content together virtually, while social distancing due to COVID-19.
In the piece, Lisa comments on how social distancing has meant that people are finding new ways to watch films and TV together, through the use of technology such as Netflix Party, Tencent Video and Zoom.
‘Netflix has been the leading streaming service providing tailored media content to online users based on its sophisticated recommendation systems and algorithmic aesthetics. Interestingly, Netflix has sought this opportunity to engage isolated users through its new service Netflix Party where friends can interact via real-time messages during the viewing experience’.
Lisa also comments on live streaming of events such as concerts: ‘There has been a slowdown or even shut down in media production in affected countries during the outbreak whilst many events have been moved online. For example, many music companies and singers have started virtual gigs and living streaming concerts rather than face-to-face ones. So, we may see more of this content enjoyed virtually for the foreseeable future.’
Read the full piece on the Kent news page here:
www.kent.ac.uk/news/culture/24751/expert-comment-collective-viewing-experiences-during-covid-19-social-distancing/