Millennials and Centennials on Streaming Violence and Historical Realism

What is this article about?

This article investigates how millennials and centennials in Spain and Mexico interpret cruelty, violence, and historical truth in streaming series and films. According to Fernández-Rodríguez, Romero-Rodríguez, and Puebla-Martínez, young audiences show nuanced attitudes towards violence and dystopia, and are divided between aesthetic appreciation and moral concern.

Why is this important?

This article explains that although audiovisual narratives are increasingly violent and dystopian, younger audiences do not feel depressed by them. Instead, they navigate cruelty with detachment or curiosity, raising questions about the normalization of violence in entertainment.

Main Findings: How do youth respond to cruelty in streaming?

1. Streaming content is not seen as depressing

Most respondents, especially centennials, reject the idea that watching current series undermines mood or vitality.

2. Mixed views on the purpose of cruelty

• Millennials and centennials are undecided on whether violence is meant to raise awareness or to entertain.

• However, Mexicans and older centennials are more inclined to see a moral purpose behind it.

3. Dystopia as a media trend

Both generations largely agree that the dystopian tone of modern content is a fashion driven by media hype—with millennials and women more likely to believe so.

Historical Realism vs. Artistic License

This article explains that both generations believe series and films based on real events must show historical accuracy, even if it conflicts with the creators’ artistic vision. This is especially true for centennials and women, who seek factual representation over interpretation.

Streaming Habits and Content Interpretation

• Disney+ viewers tend to reject unfiltered cruelty, favoring family-friendly narratives.

• Netflix viewers are more likely to favor historical accuracy.

• Consumers motivated by art accept cruelty as part of the storytelling process, while those seeking entertainment reject overly harsh realities.

FAQs

Q: Do young viewers think cruelty in series is justified?
A: Many are undecided, but some—especially older centennials—believe it serves an educational or moral role.

Q: Is watching modern series seen as depressing?
A: No. The majority disagree with this statement, particularly centennials.

Q: Do young viewers demand historical accuracy in series?
A: Yes. Both millennials and centennials value realism in stories based on real events.

Q: Are there differences by gender?
A: Yes. Women tend to be more sensitive to cruelty and more supportive of historical fidelity.