The Guest Profile Rule

If you've got a streaming service like netflix or any other which you're a heavy user of, perhaps you can relate to this guy's tweet.

Screenshot of tweet

I personally do adore hosting guests at my place, I really do. If not for anything, my bestie will bring popcorn over and I like the smell of it when it's fresh and hot.

Because we're friends, we share a laugh and tease each other and continue episodes of our favorite movies on Netflix, but I personally do have my own watchlist that not every one of my friends would like and I like to keep it that way.

It's also great when I have guests come over because I always have this feeling of knowing someone else is enjoying what I've made.

But from that guy's tweet, it truly is one paralyzing, sacred, non negotiable rule that I found myself needing to institute in my own living room, A.K.A the guest profile rule.

Some might think we're overreacting when we have problems with anyone messing with our watchlist algorithm but just listen to my reason before you judge me because I kind of agree with the guy.

We are living in a streaming golden age. For a lot of homes at least you'll get one of these, either Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, whatever yours is.

And the problem with these platforms is that with an infinite choice comes infinite diversity of algorithms. It took me a while of watching specific shows and movies to get the algorithm to give me something I know I would like even if I haven't watched it before.

Let me make you understand that, it is a painstakingly developed, highly advanced recommendation system and it takes a while for you to get it right.

It is not just what the app thinks I will like, it is more like a reflection of my own soul. If you like horror movies, chances are you'll get the best ones as you keep scrolling and watching. So imagine when your buddy comes over a couple times and starts watching some romance movie and soon you turn the TV on, open Netflix and you'll getting the exact opposite of your usual, that's exactly what this guy is trying to say in the tweet.

Our recommendations on streaming platforms like that are crafted over years of search of guilty pleasures. One wrong click from your guest, one accidental dabble in the wrong genre and you'll have to do the work again.

That your innocent, unsuspecting friend who is excited to spend an evening on your 80 inch living room TV, is usually unaware they're about to commit an act of algorithmic treason when they start clicking on content that screws up your perfectly designed algorithm... oh the pain

Some of them come around browsing through the show titles like a candy addict through the candy store, thinking I'll never catch you watching something awkward.

The problem is my ratings get tainted, my viewing history get tainted, at that point maybe I'm overreacting, I get an illogical but very active sense of betrayal and I'm pissed off for real.

Talking about the guy's tweet though, it's not even about ridiculing their taste. NCIS Tuscaloosa can be a great show, for some people but bro obviously doesn't like it at all.

The principle, dear guest at my house is that there's a holy law, Thou shalt always use the guest profile otherwise thou shall be banished from my apartment.

It's not that difficult a rule to follow right? I mean that's why streaming services have it. It's to preserve the sanctity of private viewing space. It's almost like you giving a person shoes at your house, you're glad they're comfortable, but for goodness sake, please don't ruin the carpet.

You know what, I'm going to have to write this thing on paper and paste it at the side of my T.V. I'll write "Hey you there watching, make sure you're on guests profile"

The kind of side eye I gave to my sister when I realized she was about to screw the entire Netflix feed, she knew exactly what I was saying without having to say a word.

But anyways, for me, I'm a very welcoming person, I always want guests to come in and feel at home, Netflix with chills (not Netflix and chill of course)

We watch the huge TV my Dad bought for me when I turned 21. They can watch whatever as long as they stay on guest profile.

Some people don't mind but heavy streaming users definitely have this rule and will be upset when you break the rule so if you’re ever staying over at someone’s house, do the right thing. Try and use the guest profile.