As explained in the reading, flow can be regarded as “the impulse to go on watching.” (74) Flow has the ability to create a network of connections across multiple different media sources. As we continuously discussed in class, identity can be mapped as node with flow happening through it. Notifications, text messages, account data, and gifs all act as examples of flow through identity. Moreover, flow can also be seen in social media apps and television shows. When it comes to TikTok, there are videos consistently present on a users FYP. This helps them to remain entertained and to continue to utilize what the app has to offer. Similarly, Instagram also features a wide variety of never-ending posts and televisions shows tend to keep up with the storylines throughout each episode and use cliff-hangers to keep viewers interested as well. Flow is a part of many aspects of the media world and aids in keeping many apps and shows going.
5 thoughts on “Mimi Bainbridge “Flow” Post”
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We can see how streaming networks such as Netflix have gained capital through the concept of flow with their “are you still watching?” page. This indicates that even if the person has fallen asleep or stopped paying attention, their data demonstrates more watch time. The market for streaming services have almost taken over cable TV as they have adapted the cable model of consistent stimulus for the watcher while removing the advertisements. This way, streaming studies what people are watching and provides similar content to keep people watching. Flow is adapted in streaming to a generation who don’t need commercials to see advertisements and in actuality are exhausted of ads on other platforms.
It is interesting to understand flow as “the impulse to go on watching” , as this is present in so many platforms, most prominently in the endless scroll featured on apps like TikTok and Instagram. It seems that the urge to “go on watching” has become even stronger or at least harder to resist in the age of social media. It is hard to imagine a cable television show having the same impulsive pull as Netflix with its binge-ability.
I really like how you connected flow to not only media but to identity. I think flow is a big part of one’s identity because flow allows for the functioning of media platforms. For instance, those who have social media accounts present themselves through the media and the internet, meaning that flow allows them to show themselves to the world online. Also, since many of us are exposed to different forms of media, media has the ability to affect our identity, thus proving flow’s impact. As mentioned in our class discussion, flow is one of the many elements that can affect identity (not including those who do not have social media).
I also thought it was interesting how flow is presented as the “impulse to go on watching”. Apps like TikTok do a great job of getting users to stay watching as there is never an end to one’s feed. They provide the user with short clips to make it seem like you’re not spending that much time on the app but in reality these short clips cause one to scroll on for hours, not even realizing how much time has passed.
“the impulse to go on watching” is a perfect description of the concept of flow. the advancements in technology continue to ensure the flow of data to the consumer. Tik tok has the For You Page to keep the users hooked while Instagram has the explore page to provide new images and videos that keep the user in the state of information flow. In the end, profit maximization is the main goal intertwined with the concept of flow .