Are Minnesota & Wisconsin The States That Hate Netflix The Most Right Now?

I’m sure by now you have heard about Netflix cracking down on password sharing. With us living in a world where gas prices are on the rise (again) and eggs cost as much as a Netflix subscription, Netflix decided to add more salt to our wounds. And guess what? People are not having it, especially Midwesterners!

First, before I share which states hate Netflix the most, If you have heard about this password crackdown, but don’t know what it all means, don’t worry, I got you.

Recently Netflix sent out their January letters to shareholders providing more information on the password crackdown they have been mentioning for about a year now. In the letter, Netflix explains that “the crackdown will go into effect globally by the end of March. The company has also updated its Help Center with more information about what users can expect moving forward,” explains Time Magazine.

Netflix mentions and estimates that over 100 million households worldwide are using shared accounts and that cracking down on password sharing would be a “big opportunity” for revenue growth.

I mean this isn’t really new but Netflix has continually been losing money due to the MANY shows and productions they put out each year not creating the revenue they need to survive. Then on top of that Netflix continues to cancel many of the shows they roll out mostly just after 1 season (due to completion rates, which you can read about here).

Netflix continues in its letter to shareholders saying “We believe we have a clear path to reaccelerate our revenue growth: continuing to improve all aspects of Netflix.” Well… so they think. Here how the crackdown on password sharing will work (from Netflix’s Help Center and Time Magazine):

No matter what plan you have, all of the streaming devices logged into an account will have to be located in the same household. Specifically the household of the account holder

Netflix will ask anyone using an account on a streaming device that isn’t associated with the account owner’s household to enter a four-digit verification code that will be sent to the primary email address or phone number associated with the account. This code needs to be entered on the device requesting access within 15 minutes.

Netflix will use information such as IP addresses, device IDs, and account activity from the devices signed into an account to determine whether a device is associated with a household.

When traveling you will still be able to access your account unless away from the primary household for an extended period of time. Device verification may be required periodically.

A while ago there were notes explaining users (aside from the primary account holder) would have to resign in every 31 days, but that has since been removed.

FOR NOW, Time explains the streamer has said it will not automatically charge you if you share your account with someone who doesn’t live with you. In addition this plan does not start till the end of March.

So, with that, how have people responded… NOT WELL!

The backlash has continuously been growing regarding Netflix's decision, especially on Twitter. So, a home entertainment company, Valencia Theater Seating, put together a map based on geotagged Twitter data in the last month.

Valencia tracked negative tweets, hashtags, and direct keyword phrases about the changing password policy. In addition, tracking hashtags and calls to cancel Netflix subscriptions, such as #CancelNetflix, #BoycottNetflix, #NetflixReverseYourDecision, and more. Over 130,000 tweets were tracked. This Map shows which states are the least to most fed up with Netflix’s decisions… and guess where Minnesota lands?

Minnesota, the land where people are known for their ‘Niceness’ is Netflix’s #1 hater right now!

Here are the top 10 states most fed up with Netflix:

1. Minnesota
2. Michigan
3. Ohio
4. Wisconsin
5. Oklahoma
6. Nevada
7. Washington
8. Indiana
9. Texas
10. Kentucky

As you can see the Midwest is clearly running the board with the backlash against Netflix. And hey, I get it, there isn’t a lot to do in the Midwest during the winter besides binging movies and shows.

How do you feel about this? Do you think it makes sense what Netflix is doing for the long run or do you think Netflix just keeps digging its grave bigger and bigger?

All information is credited to help.netflix.com, time.com, and valenciatheaterseating.com.