Consulting firm rejected candidate who warned about streaming health risks
A former University of Oxford student recounts being rejected by a major consulting firm for predicting negative societal impacts from streaming technology growth.
Early career interview experience
The applicant interviewed for a position at a large consulting company in the early 2000s. During the process, the candidate discussed potential unintended consequences of new technologies on human interaction. The interviewer considered this perspective completely wrong and did not invite the student back.
Financial success of streaming
Netflix global revenue reached $12.6bn in 2026 according to reported figures. This growth demonstrates the profitability that the consulting firm had anticipated during the interview. The candidate focused instead on health and wellbeing consequences rather than financial metrics.
Concerns about screen time
Excessive screen time has reportedly impacted health and wellbeing, particularly among children. Social isolation is now described as a wide issue linked to these habits. The candidate questioned why people would choose solitary viewing over social activities like renting DVDs.
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