I find it very hard to sit through an entire movie.
@jennanewbery (19)
Adelaide, Australia
March 9, 2016 5:19pm CST
Does anyone else have trouble with this? I can't sit down and get engrossed in a movie, I have to be doing something else at the same time. I will usually be on my computer, with a movie playing in the background or if it is a movie that I really want to watch, I will turn my computer off, actually sit and face the TV and browse social media on my phone or iPad.
This was never a problem for me years ago, before I had the internet. I was able to sit and watch movies back to back, all day. Now my attention span has become so short that I find it almost impossible.
I haven't been to a cinema in years. It's bad etiquette to pull out your phone and browse social media during a movie and the thought of having to sit through it and give the movie my undivided attention puts me off. The last time I went to the cinema was on a date and I drank too much wine before hand, then fell asleep and snored through most of the movie.
I think the internet and social media has ruined my ability to sit down and watch a full movie. The only thing I can focus on is Game of Thrones, I can watch episodes back to back, no problems but it really is the only thing I can watch without wanting to reach for my phone.
7 people like this
9 responses
@beaniefanatic13 (5076)
• Grand Junction, Colorado
9 Mar 16
I don't generally have that problem unless it's something I have seen, especially if I have seen it multiple times, then I'm more likely to get up and do other things. If it's something I haven't seen then I don't want to miss something that may be of significance. Especially on cold dreary days.
3 people like this
@indiandevil (2410)
• Canada
10 Mar 16
I so know that feeling. If we aren't plugged into something these days than it seems we aren't happy at all. I'm always thinking of taking a break from it but I never seem to do. I can only sit and watch something straight through with no distractions if its a movie I have really wanted to see, and it's interesting.
If it can't keep my interest then I reach for my device. Perhaps the true problem is they need to write better movies.
2 people like this
@jennanewbery (19)
• Adelaide, Australia
10 Mar 16
I think you are onto something there, Clara. I can easily sit through an entire season of Game of Thrones and my eyes are glued to the TV. I love that show and seems to be the only thing that captures my attention these days.
@irishidid (8687)
• United States
9 Mar 16
I gave up the laptop for a desktop and my cell phone is just basic so I sit and crochet while I'm watching television.
2 people like this
@jennanewbery (19)
• Adelaide, Australia
9 Mar 16
Doing crochet is probably a really good way to keep your hands busy while watching a movie. I occasionally make digital art to sell on Etsy on my iPad, and it is one of those things that I can do while watching a movie but eventually start browsing the web for articles on wall decor or something. It never lasts.
@TiarasOceanView (70035)
• United States
10 Mar 16
I had to laugh when you said about falling asleep in the movie. I do that without drink or internet at the cinema lolz
Oh yes, I sometimes wish there were no internet as before like you, I could watch a movie, though I was extremely active and still found it hard to do, but it could be done.
Now without fail, I have to be online.
Oh yes, I sometimes wish there were no internet as before like you, I could watch a movie, though I was extremely active and still found it hard to do, but it could be done.
Now without fail, I have to be online.1 person likes this
@JohnRoberts (109857)
• Los Angeles, California
9 Mar 16
This is a result of today's technology obsession that are breeding short attention spans. Children are growing up on social media of short bursts of info and quick images which develops inability to comprehend something of depth over an extended period of time.
1 person likes this
@jennanewbery (19)
• Adelaide, Australia
10 Mar 16
I agree. I think it is changing adults minds too. I was a young adult (around 23-24) when I bought my first laptop and got access to the internet, before then I had no issues with sitting down and watching a full movie. Once I got my laptop, I would have it with me while watching a movie and spend hours tweaking my Myspace profile. I can't say that I regret it (tweaking my Myspace profile is originally what got me into web design and development) I do feel that it has ruined my ability to focus on anything non-internet related.
@Vjvals (906)
• Roseville, California
10 Mar 16
Yes again sounds familiar, some prefer being active all the time and can't sit for long. In school there's so much activity so when class time comes along it's easier to remain calm. It also helps to read what the movie will be about and have" knowledge" of what they are doing in specific scenes with some movies anyway. Then the internet and phone are also part of it for some and helps others
1 person likes this
