Moviegoers have often cherished the magic of the silver screen, but recent trends have brought a new challenge - the excessive use of phones during screenings. The release of "Wicked" has once again sparked a heated debate over proper movie theater etiquette.

Unraveling the Disruptive Effect of Phone Use in Movie Theaters

Section 1: The Spoiling of "Wicked"'s Magic

For some moviegoers, the magic of "Wicked" has been marred by the sight of too many people taking photos and recording videos. It was once unthinkable to take out a phone during a movie, but in recent years, this once-derided act has become widespread. One thread on X gained millions of views after a user encouraged others to share their "Wicked" screening photos. While some complied, others were shamed for detracting from the film.This behavior is not new; phone use in theaters has been on the rise since pandemic restrictions were lifted. Many believe it stems from years of interacting mainly through social media, leading users to prioritize capturing content over living in the moment.

Section 2: The Role of Social Media

Social media has become an integral part of our identity, as stated by Sara Cureton, an assistant professor at Colorado Technical University who teaches psychology and social media. Many use it to be seen, whether their audience is just family and friends or they are influencers with thousands of followers. Posting photos from a "Wicked" screening signals that "I was here, I was doing this opening weekend."Some social media users argue that a quick photo isn't overly intrusive. However, taking a phone out and posting a picture from the theater takes away from the shared experience of watching a movie together. Phones are impacting behavior etiquette, including becoming a distraction and violating boundaries in shared spaces. Many are now prioritizing their individual experiences at the expense of the collective.

Section 3: The No-Phone Policy at Alamo Drafthouse

Alamo Drafthouse has a strict no-phones policy and has weighed in on the discussion on X, simply telling patrons "don't do that." This shows the seriousness with which some theaters view phone use during screenings.

Section 4: The Disdain of Movie Lovers

Numerous movie lovers on X have expressed their disdain for having phones out during screenings and have called on theaters to do more to enforce their phone rules and curb disruptions. Eric Forgue, a moderator for the subreddit r/MovieTheaterEmployees, knows that many theaters are understaffed and don't have the resources to monitor every screening.Forgue worked at a Cinemark theater for seven years and noticed an increase in phone use after the pandemic. He attributes this to patrons being used to watching movies as they pleased at home during lockdown, including using their smartphones. Once back in the theater, they haven't broken the habit.Forgue has seen teens taking selfies, people livestreaming big films, and even parents allowing their kids to watch YouTube out loud during movies. He encourages guests seeing "Wicked" to consider: "Would you do that if you were watching it on Broadway?" People need to remember that this experience isn't just about them; it's about the collective moviegoing experience.