Netflix has pushed the advertising bar further up, and perhaps even crossed the line, as some of its users are vexed with the streaming service's recent marketing ploy for a show.
The upcoming new season for the Netflix show "Black Mirror" has indirectly caused technological terror to a certain degree. Some users have been receiving alarming messages in the middle of the night from an account named "iamwaldo," which is a direct reference to "The Waldo Moment" episode from season 2 of "Black Mirror." What makes it creepy it the message itself, saying "We know what you're up to. Watch and see what we will do."
For those unaware of the character, or those who have even forgotten him, this might come off as some form of threat, which is straight out of a horror movie. Users who have accounts from the Turkish forum website Ekşi Sözlük and Netflix itself seem to be the targets of the scary marketing ad.
Some users need not fear too much for their safety as it has been confirmed that it was indeed from Netflix. The ad has since received mixed reactions from both ends of the spectrum, with some users who knew the reference stating it was funny while some thought it was too obscure to be a promotion. Some have claimed that it was not a good idea since there are people who suffer from panic attacks or other psychological disorders associated with fear. Simply put, scaring someone, even for a short while, is not exactly a healthy way to promote a television show.
Netflix has so far not commented on the issue yet, but several users are already looking into legal actions. The situation has been particularly critical in some countries like Turkey where a failed coup d'état has made the government more watchful of its citizens and in turn made the citizens equally paranoid.
Fans of "Black Mirror" are advised to stay tuned as it remains to be seen how this can affect the show or Netflix.
