The creation of the Internet has allowed for several unique experiences that would not have occurred without it, including an accessible way to connect with others who share the same interests. However, the existence of these groups has led to information about recently-released media traveling far and wide in record time, with the worry of spoiling something for others becoming an afterthought in favor of clicks.

It’s only natural to want to express feelings online about something shocking that was seen on a TV show or a movie, but what many people tend to forget is that countless other fans of that media have yet to find the time to sit down and enjoy it. These people, who undoubtedly have much more pressing matters than a show’s newest episode, deserve to experience the same shock factor to a certain plot twist or reveal as those who watched it opening day. Unfortunately, if they truly want to experience that same feeling, they have no choice but to stay off social media or risk accidentally seeing a post or video talking about that piece of media.

Scrolling online while being a fan of any piece of content that has recently gained a new addition is like walking through a field of landmines, where it is impossible to know if the next post you see will contain information you have yet to learn.  With post after post appearing with only a swipe of a finger, looking away is almost always impossible because by the time someone has noticed they’ve seen a spoiler, it’s already too late for them to turn their head. 

Before the Internet, most people had the courtesy to make sure the person they were talking to had watched the latest episode or had been to the theaters recently. It was this common courtesy that protected story-bending secrets for weeks after a movie’s theatrical release.

Now, however, the fast-paced nature of the Internet will forcibly inform someone of their favorite piece of media’s latest plot twist, and most of the time that person can only sigh in frustration. That feeling following seeing one of those posts is one nobody enjoys, and yet it is becoming ever more common as spoiler warnings have become nothing more than an afterthought. People are now expected to be absolutely up-to-date on the latest news within hours, and it makes sharing these interests with others exhausting.

It’s impossible and almost delusional to expect everyone to abide by basic media courtesy, especially when the need for views and likes feels tantamount to everything else. However, it should not feel idealistic to simply wish that the old social standards before the Internet, primarily keeping secrets, still applied in the modern day.