If you’re obsessed with the Gabby Petito Case, you need to be watching Netflix’s new show, ‘Clickbait’
By Meghan Connors
In an incredibly uncanny coincidence of timing, Netflix released their new show, ‘Clickbait,’ as the Gabby Pettito case began to take hold of the American Public’s attention.
There are those who support the inherent voyeurism a case like this attracts, and others who believe sensitive matters such as this are better left to the police. But if you, like me, have been following Gabby’s disappearance, checking regularly for updates, and wondering what more you can do to help while simultaneously feeling a little guilty over the fact that this matter involves real people, I have a new way to occupy your time. Undoubtedly, the show will provide you an entirely new perspective on a case like this: How the public’s attention can be both a blessing and a curse, how easily something so innocent and trivial can get so destructively out of hand, and how at the end of the day, the lives of those involved will unfortunately never be the same.
Netflix’s new show, ‘Clickbait,’ follows a crime as it unfolds on social media, and what comes after as the public bonds together to learn about the people involved, and attempts to solve the case. The show depicts how easily the public can be swayed to slam down their proverbial hammer of judgment, and decide someone's innocence, guilt, and sentencing before the defense has an opportunity to make their case. Regardless of how you feel about Gabby Petitos disappearance, and now murder, ‘Clickbait’ serves as an undeniable reminder that as the general public, we don’t actually know anything about anyone involved. And sure, we can form convincing arguments through social media deep dives, and a plethora of other discerning endeavors, but we are gullible to believe that the internet can paint an entirely truthful image of anyone.
So, for those of us who are falling into the traps of conspiracy theories, and unhelpful rumors, let’s begin to focus some of our attention on people who are fictional, and let Gabby’s family grieve without adding any unhelpfulness to their tragedy. ‘Clickbait’ is strong enough in it’s writing, acting, and execution, to serve as a plausible distraction. As someone who finds it hard to watch crime television, (because I can usually spot the criminal in the first five minutes) this show had me utterly clueless till the very end. Even when all was revealed, I found myself questioning if another twist would come.
I believe watching this show can serve as a middle ground for those of us who want to respect the Petito family, but cannot contain our innate curiosity. While watching the show I found myself regaining an important perspective on how this phenomenon is affecting those who actually knew and loved Gabby.
And yes, we can still learn of Brian Laundrie’s face in case we happen to spot him in our neighborhood, but viewing this show instead will allow law enforcement, and other investigative forces, an opportunity to sift through all credible tips. Because, at the end of the day, this story isn’t scripted, and the Petito family will not be able to switch the show and forget about everything once it’s “over.” So, I guess what I’m saying is, if you have helpful information, of course, follow this case, offer your statement, and cross your fingers that it helps. But if you’re simply adding to the hysteria through your presumably “harmless” theories, just watch the show instead. Hopefully, by the time you’re done binging, Laundrie will have been found, and justice will be served. Until then, there’s nothing more most of us can do.
