Petition asks for Netflix and others to stop charging due to the coronavirus

A new petition has popped up stating that streaming services like Netflix should be free while many are out of jobs or bored while stuck at home.

With loads of time on our hands, people are streaming their favorite shows and movies more than ever. Whether your preference is for Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, or Amazon Prime, there is no doubt we’re all using our streaming subscriptions like never before. But should these streaming services be free because of the coronavirus? Over 67,000 people think so.

There’s a Change.org petition asking all the streaming services to stop charging their customers for 60 days. Why? The petition argues that the boredom and isolation people are experiencing due to working from home and stay-at-home orders can “lead to depression, among other factors.”

While streaming can be a good way to get through the monotony of every day, with millions of people out of work and without a paycheck paying the subscription fee may be easier said than done. The petition goes onto say:

"If people can watch as much as they want, whenever they want, this will help alleviate the stress of home isolation, as well as encourage people to stay home. This is a responsible community health strategy."

So, what do we think of this? I’m surprised this didn’t come up earlier. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t done at least one TV show binge or movie marathon lately. Netflix has gained millions of new subscribers due to this pandemic. Would 60 days of free service really hurt them? And if it helps keep a few people from feeling depressed or anxious, isn’t it worth it?

But the mental toll is certainly not the only reason why this is a good idea.

While a lot of people are getting their economic stimulus checks to help with the loss of jobs and stocking up on supplies, if these streaming services were free for a couple of months, people wouldn’t have to put any of that money into keeping their streaming subscription going. They could buy one more item at the grocery store with their $8.99 instead of spending it on Netflix.

Free streaming services may also save us from going to other outlets to entertain ourselves. If you’ve been on social media, you’ve seen what people are willing to do to feel like their actually doing something with their time. People are crafting, doing puzzles, coloring, making weird TikTok videos, and having their pets step through rolls of toilet paper for their own entertainment. Save us from ourselves, Netflix!

What do you think of this petition? Do you think streaming services should be free for the next few months? Let us know in the comments below!