Virtual Viewing Parties
Posted: April 23rd, 2009 | Author: Matt | Filed under: Internet | Tags: Internet, society | 1 Comment »The next best thing since sliced bananas:
Earlier today we reported on YouTube’s plans to roll out a new real-time product that adds a new social layer to YouTube, allowing friends to share the videos they’re watching with each other in real time, without having to turn to outside chat programs or Twitter.
This is a feature I’ve been waiting on for quite some time. Only, this seems sort of pointless for Youtube. I don’t really want to get together with friends to watch a :10 video of some kid getting hit in the face. That’s for when friends come over and we’re bored. This sort of shared viewing technology should be applied to Hulu, or else integrated with DVD players or other long-form streaming media where you can actually sit down and enjoy something long together (I know, that’s what she said).
Just another opportunity for us to atomize into completely isolated bubbles and never physicallyinteract with another physical human. Sweet (I jest). Though seriously, this could make a widescale Room Party much more feasible. And that is a great thing.
I dunno, I could see it being pretty cool for music videos. Actual human interaction during music is annoying because you miss the lyrics, but text could be a better alternative — especially if a buddy with a keen eye for unintended humor joins in on the fun.