Phones During Films: Is Multitasking Rude?

YES:

The other day, I sat down to watch one of my favorite movies  — “La La Land.” I was so excited to watch it again, this time with my friends who hadn’t seen it before. 

But during the movie, my friends kept going on their phones. I’d look over and see all sorts of apps open, from messages to TikTok to silly games. One friend was even coloring on her iPad. 

I couldn’t stand it — I had to stop the movie. 

No one should be on their phone while watching a movie. It’s absolutely unacceptable to do so in a cinema — that shouldn’t even be an argument — but it’s also disrespectful when you’re watching a movie with friends or family. 

Some may say watching movies is just to unwind, and phones help to do so. But then it seems like the phone is the priority, and at that point the movie should just be stopped. 

Other screens and even quiet audio streaming from video apps are distracting. Even if I try to focus on the film, my eyes can’t help but stare at the lit-up phone screens around me. 

There’s no worse feeling than showing friends a beloved show or movie only for them to just sit on their phones — especially during the best parts. It makes it seem like these fanatical phone watchers don’t care enough to appreciate something loved by someone close to them, as though they have more important things going on in their separate, online world. 

If multitasking is truly necessary while watching a movie or show, then those who have trouble sitting still could get a sensory toy. 

The internet has conditioned us to require stimulation at all times, making sitting still for a movie that much harder. But this is all the more reason to treat watching movies as an intentional activity where one can take a break from their mobile device. 

The point of film is to envelop yourself in another world — to dive into it. So many movies have beautiful messages, evoking tears and laughter. But these messages are ruined when eyes are diverted to a smaller, isolated rectangle for the majority of a movie. 

Whether it’s the news or a boyfriend’s texts that’s being read, it’s the same issue. The film isn’t getting the appreciation it deserves. The movie’s intended message is lost or changed because of a round of Subway Surfers or an addictive Instagram Reel.  

This also impacts the people around you. They’re trying to focus on a movie they care about, and you’re making it difficult for them to do so. 

There’s almost no reason to multitask while watching a movie. Put your phone away, and put the world on hold for just two hours. I promise, it’ll still be there when the credits roll. 

NO:

Oftentimes when I’m watching a movie, I enjoy taking breaks to go on my phone. It’s difficult for me to stay focused on one form of media for an extended period of time — especially if it’s something I’ve seen before. 

When on my phone, I make sure my brightness is down and the volume is off so I don’t disturb the other movie viewers. And yet I still get chastised for it. 

Heavy media multitaskers are better at integrating two sources of sensory information, according to VeryWell Mind. I find multitasking makes me feel more productive so multitasking feels like a no brainer to me.

My favorite way to get mundane busywork done is to do it while watching something I enjoy but have already seen. This way, I can focus on my work while still appreciating a film in the background.

When I’m watching a movie, especially with my parents or grandparents, they often have questions about it I can’t answer. Having my phone open to IMDb ensures I can quickly respond to their inquiries or even questions I myself have about the film. 

I like to know who’s acting or what song is playing, and having a phone at the ready makes this possible. 

Moreover, watching a film is supposed to be a relaxing activity. If someone wants to relax by being on their phone, they should be able to, regardless of if they’re alone or with friends. 

Rewatching a movie can enhance an individual’s well-being, providing them with both relaxation and stimulation, according to Psychology Today. Playing your favorite game while rewatching a familiar favorite only furthers a film’s propensity to relax, according to the National Institute of Health. 

Combining these two activities makes for the ultimate tranquil use of time. I can get a new high score on Block Blast on my phone and watch “The Office.” While watching TV, people can get tasks checked off their to-do list efficiently and still have a fun time watching TV. 

Outside of spaces where full attention is really needed — like movie theaters or auditoriums — getting upset when someone has their phone out during a movie does more harm than good. As long as it’s not disruptive, there’s no reason to police someone else’s relaxation.