Netflix has removed a feature which encourages kids to binge-watch

How was this ever allowed?

Netflix has confirmed that the new feature 'patches', which encourages children to binge-watch their favourite TV show, has been taken off the platform. Select users were part of a trial for the feature which let them collect 'patches' after each episode they watched in order to win an interactive prize. The feature encouraged children to continue watching shows in an unnatural way with people being concerned that it promotes binge-watching.

wait wtf are netflix patches pic.twitter.com/Z9NUxu0He3

— pebbles (@camiIlaludd) March 8, 2018

You now get badges for watching certain Netflix kids shows and yeah, it’s totally working considering we’ve watched all 6 episodes of Trolls at least 3 times today.

— Mia ? (@mrsmiamac) March 7, 2018

After thinking about the @netflix “patches” program for children some more, it is apparent how many levels this is dangerous on. #netflix

— Kyle Anderson (@kalestew) March 13, 2018

A spokesperson for Netflix confirmed it will no longer appear for children. They told Variety:

“We’ve concluded the test for Patches and have decided not to move forward with the feature for kids. We test lots of things at Netflix in order to learn what works well – and what doesn’t work well – for our members.”