Reel Attention: Addressing the Decline in Film Engagement Among Students
Film professors are noticing a concerning trend among film majors: a lack of interest in watching full-length movies. According to interviews with 20 film-studies instructors across the country, students are increasingly struggling to sit through entire films, particularly since the onset of the pandemic. Even prestigious programs like USC report students being distracted and disengaged during screenings, often resorting to checking their phones or tuning out during crucial scenes they are supposed to watch.
The issue persists even when screenings are moved online, becoming part of students' homework assignments. Data from Indiana University's streaming platform revealed that less than half of students started the assigned films, with only about one in five completing them. Those who do watch often admit to multitasking, watching at double speed, or skipping parts of the film. This lack of engagement is reflected in exam results, with students struggling to answer basic questions about the plots of classic films.
Many professors attribute this trend to the prevalence of short-form, easily accessible media in students' lives, rather than sheer laziness. This generation has grown up with constant access to social media and short video clips, leading to a diminished ability to focus for extended periods. In response, some instructors are introducing "slow cinema" courses to help students rebuild their attention spans, while others are adapting their teaching methods by assigning shorter works or breaking down long films into smaller segments.
Film professor Craig Erpelding from the University of Wisconsin at Madison notes the shift in students' viewing habits, highlighting that today's film students are more likely to consume social media content than be cinephiles. As a result, educators are exploring new approaches to engage students who are accustomed to quick, bite-sized media consumption. The challenge lies in bridging the gap between traditional film education and the digital media landscape that shapes students' viewing behaviors.