Did you know binge-watching Netflix hurts the environment?
Researcher issues stark warning
The innocuous habit of binge-watching Netflix and scrolling endlessly through social media is not as harmless as it seems.
As highlighted by Dr Kari Hiekkanen, a visiting researcher at Aalto University in Helsinki, Finland, the practice significantly contributes to an urgent environmental issue.
Hiekkanen, who also trains at Aalto University Executive Education and Professional Development (Aalto EE), has highlighted the environmental costs associated with our digital consumption.
Dr Hiekkanen points out that streaming videos on platforms like Netflix and TikTok generates more carbon dioxide emissions than activities such as listening to audiobooks. The energy required to power these digital devices and their manufacturing processes contributes to a substantial carbon footprint.
“Every device, including its manufacturing process, consumes electricity. The emissions from ICT represent an ‘inconvenient truth.’ While digitalisation is often hailed as a solution to various challenges, it is crucial to acknowledge its environmental problems,” Hiekkanen says.
Hiekkanen criticises significant tech companies for their reluctance to address their environmental impact.
For instance, Google’s energy consumption 2023 was equivalent to a quarter of Finland’s annual energy usage. Hiekkanen notes that ICT services account for 3.5% to 4% of global electricity consumption.
“To put it into perspective, ICT services have already surpassed aviation in carbon emissions several years ago, and this gap is expected to widen with the increasing demand for digital services,” Hiekkanen warns.
The researcher emphasises the importance of raising awareness about the energy consumption involved in digital activities. Hiekkanen advocates for a shift in consumer behaviour, urging people to be more mindful of their digital consumption patterns and reclaim control over their time.
As the digital age continues to expand, individuals and tech companies must recognise and address the environmental impact of their online activities.
Featured image: Streaming videos on Netflix generates more carbon dioxide emissions than activities such as listening to audiobooks. Credit: Cottonbro Studio
