SPOILER ALERT!
“Gentlemen . . . Welcome to Fight Club. The first rule of Fight Club is: You do not TWEET about Fight Club. The second rule of Fight Club is: You do not POST about Fight Club.”
– Tyler Durden (portrayed by Brad Pitt), Fight Club
In 2013, Tyler Durden’s “Rules of Fight Club” would look very different from when he originally proclaimed them circa 1999 in the bowels of a dimly lit bar basement. The original two rules forbidding members from “talking” about the underground organization would likely have gone viral present-day before Durden ever finished outlining the remaining. That is, assuming the basement did not obstruct everyone’s cell reception.
The viral nature of social media in today’s society has presented impediments to keeping almost anything confidential, especially in the realm of television. HBO’s epic fantasy drama Game of Thrones was the latest victim of crucial leaks as fans revealed spoilers on Facebook and Twitter to the most “game”- changing episode to date, notoriously dubbed “The Red Wedding”.
Based on an earlier MyOpinionNow.com poll, “How long after a new episode airs is it appropriate to post spoilers on social media”, two polarizing philosophies emerged; those who felt you should NEVER give away plot points versus a group who believed you should not hesitate to share your reactions as events unfold. The latter school of thought has been enabled by social media and even encouraged by television marketers. For example, Home Box Office’s HBOGO content streaming platform encourages fans to share their thoughts on Facebook and Twitter. Furthermore, most networks champion their programs’ hashtags during commercials in an effort to facilitate online discussions in real-time.
To assist individuals that prefer to avoid “spoilers”, new tools are popping up to suppress the social buzz surrounding shows. 17-year-old Jen Lamere created Twivo, an app for Google Chrome which uses keywords to purge mentions relevant to any program during certain time periods on Twitter. Silencer, a Chrome plugin, goes a step further allowing users to also filter content out of their Facebook Newsfeeds.
As social media evolves, we wonder, who really bares the responsibility of protecting viewers from crucial plot points that make the shows we all love so compelling? Is it upon the individual to sidestep potential breaches? Should social networks incorporate technology to assist those who wish to remain in the dark? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
1/1/2018 2:38 PM
The joy of experiencing anything privately in today's world of social media is almost obsolete.Today people seem to think it's okay to reveal everything, whether it appears to be harmful or not. There seems to be a lack of judgment of propriety and outright concern for others involved in any situation. Everyone seems to be only concerned with how many tweets or whatever else they can ac***ulate on the social media for themselves. As a society in the states, and elsewhere as well, we seem to put self first. So now we are feeling the effects of "putting everything out there."
3/3/2016 10:35 AM
cool
1/15/2016 2:54 PM
I also hate spoliers as I would to experience the true emotion of seeing it for myself.
10/6/2015 1:16 PM
To each there own. If you don't like the conversation Change the channel, or in this case Use the tools to avoid the spoiler.
1/3/2015 11:43 PM
Most wouldn't be interested
12/30/2013 6:28 PM
I hate spoilers TBO
12/20/2013 4:03 AM
WHO REALLY CARES?