Spoiler Alert Etiquette

From Game of Thrones to Avengers: Endgame, the latest Netflix special or the next summer blockbuster, there are plenty of opportunities to let a spoiler slip during conversations at the office or around the dinner table. People are consuming entertainment in different ways for a variety of reasons – mainly because their schedules are overloaded and the latest series or blockbuster provides a respite from the real world.

While it may be tough to squelch conversation in the workplace or at a friendly happy hour, “zip it” unless you are sure those in proximity don’t mind knowing the end before seeing it themselves.

Here are a few tips to keep you from being the Ultimate Spoiler Alert Villain as you await the release of Spider-Man: Far From Home or count down the days for the next Star Wars movie.

Ask Permission

People won’t be shy when letting you know how they feel about learning how a basketball game ended or if Jon Snow lived or died! If you are greeted with an emphatic, “I don’t want to know,” respect their wishes. Avoid taunting or teasing them with the knowledge they truly want to learn for themselves. Most people take their entertainment seriously and don’t want someone to ruin it for them.

Use Your Indoor Voice

The person sitting five seats down from you in the restaurant doesn’t want to hear your conversation about anything, much less learn the ending of a best-seller they are currently reading. They also may not appreciate knowing who didn’t get a rose last night on the Bachelorette or how the latest Hulu show ended in a complete upset. As with any discussion in a public place, your voice should be low enough you don’t disrupt others nearby.

Keep Your Screens Private

Streaming on a train, plane or during your carpool can be spoiler alert dangerous. At least put in your earbuds so no one accidentally hears the details of what is going on. At work, avoid talking about a TV show or movie ending as you chat via Slack or Google Hangouts. If the topic comes up, avoid sharing spoiler details and consider redirecting the conversation if others are not up-to-date. Keeping the focus primarily on work-related topics is a safe and productive route.

Don’t Expect Social Media to Be Silent

It would be unrealistic to expect people to be quiet on social media. The platform is designed to share timely posts and opinions. If you are afraid of learning how something ended, don’t log on. And, certainly, don’t rant and complain if you read something someone else posted. Slow your scroll and keep yourself distracted offline as you count down the days to your watch time.

Give it a Week

While there is nothing written in stone when it comes to spoilers, a reasonable time frame is a five day work week. After that point, all bets are off. People should be allowed to have normal conversation without fear of reprimand or disapproving eyes. Part of healthy communication is talking about the latest news and popular shows. The burden is on the person who hasn’t caught up yet. These people should either politely remove themselves from the conversation or behave civilly if they find out the ending of a show or program they are still waiting to watch at home.

You may also find 11 Modern Etiquette Tips to Use Every Day helpful. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow Diane on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. Buy her new book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life.