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How Long Should You Wait Before Discussing Spoilers?

How Long Should You Wait Before Discussing Spoilers?

It's a source of much debate and irritation, and that's before we even get to the different timescales for TV and film

Amelia Ward

Amelia Ward

The internet has been an absolute minefield for spoilers recently. Whether you're a fan of Avengers, Game of Thrones or both, you'll know the feeling of nervously avoiding anyone or anything that could give away the much-anticipated ending to your favourite franchise.

But how long after the release of a TV show or film is it acceptable to wait before you start discussing what happened, without making everyone hate you?

HBO

Well, according to Matt Zoller Seitz, editor-in-chief of RogerEbert.com, the answer isn't that simple.

You see, people have different time frames, when it comes to discussing the various types of TV and film.

According to Seitz, courtesy of an interview with CNN Money, if you want to discuss something on TV - like the latest Game of Thrones episode, for example - then the realistic and most polite time to hold onto your thoughts is 48 hours.

OK, this might get confusing, given that it's shown a day apart in the UK and the US - meanwhile, the internet doesn't exactly limit you to seeing tweets from the country you live in. So be mindful of the forum you choose to deploy your spoilers, eh?

For new movies, like Avengers: Endgame, Seitz says it's OK to discuss it after just a week. Not sure I'm sold on that one, sorry Matt.

And then, for Netflix shows, he says you're OK to start discussing their events four days after they arrive on the streaming platform. Hmmmmm.

Seitz adds that ultimately, the onus is on the 'spoilee' (I'm not 100 percent certain that is a word) to avoid potential spoilers.

He says: "I think some minimal consideration is due to a person who has not yet watched the thing that you are preparing to discuss on social media."

He goes on to say: "But at the same time, I think the responsibility primarily falls upon the spoilee. You know how social media works."

Stay off social media to avoid spoilers - revolutionary.
Pixabay

So, given that it's our responsibility to not ruin our own enjoyment of TV and films, what are the best way to avoid spoilers?

Well, firstly, acceptance is key. Unless you literally lock yourself in an empty room and avoid human contact, there will always be a chance you will see a spoiler.

And then, of course, there's the obvious solution - you can always just take a short break from social media. Avoid the internet. If you're that bothered about spoilers, get on board with the fact that if you don't want to see people talking about something insanely popular, don't go on the very place where they're talking about it.

Problem solved.

Featured Image Credit: Pixabay

Topics: TV and Film, Interesting