Tackling the Sticky Subject of Media Consumption in Captivated

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There is no denying that our modern culture has adopted a lifestyle that is more ‘plugged in’ with the use of electronics than in the past.  Technology seems to evolve at a rapid pace with a myriad of options out there to keep people ‘connected.’  I was curious to review Captivated DVD, a documentary from Media Talk 101, and see how they handled the subject of media consumption as it is something that weighs on my heart.

A Bit About Captivated and its Coverage of Media Consumption

Captivated is a documentary primarily aimed to an adult audience with the goal to get individuals thinking about the consumption of media, whether by themselves or family members.  The producers interviewed a variety of experts, church leaders, and a few individuals who have broken the chains of media captivity.  While the primary audience is adults, there is nothing in the show which is inappropriate for a younger audience. 

The show runs for 107 minutes and you will find over 2 hours of extra footage on the DVD.  You can purchase a copy for $16.95 with a current special of ordering a second copy for an additional $5.  They also offer a discussion guide that can be purchased separately or with a copy of the DVD. (See the website for pricing information on those bundles.)

Media Talk 101 as a ministry has the mission of helping people discern use of media in their lives from a Biblical perspective for Christians.  Captivated is just one arm of their outreach which includes seminars and other resources.

My Thoughts on Media Consumption and Captivated

For this particular review, I had every intention of having my teens watch the show with me.  Knowing that it might be a touchy topic for them, I elected to view it with  my husband in advance of sitting down with the boys.  Much of the information presented in the film resonated with us, but we recognized that it would make the boys uncomfortable.  This was cemented when my eldest entered the room for a few minutes and started arguing with what was being said about the violence of video games and shows.  When I told them they needed to watch with me, they had objections from the get go.  Within 15 minutes of starting, my eldest son left the room. 

What had riled him so much?  The individual speaking talked about how video games stimulate the pleasure center of the brain and causes the player to think they’ve accomplished something when they really haven’t.  He further went on to use a user of crack as an example of another behavior which stimulates that center.  P was insulted that someone would consider one of his favorite past times (video games) to using drugs.

Was it a more grand standing of an example?  Maybe.  However, you can’t argue with the research finding the effects of outside stimuli on the brain.  For my boys, though, they started ranting (even days later after their short viewing) that the show was hypocritical as they are going on about how evil media can be while they are using that same platform to make their point. 

One of the boys then decided to shine the ‘spotlight’ on me by saying I am on the computer a fair bit including the use of social media and time writing posts for this site.  I’ll admit to being a tiny bit uncomfortable getting the tables turned, but won’t argue that there are times when technology can suck you in and real life starts to pass you by.  That did allow for further discussion about how (1) not all media is bad and some use is fine, (2) my seemingly larger use of social media (e.g. Facebook) often ties in with my business, and (3) media fasting by everyone can be beneficial.

After their reactions, I decided to view the short statement by producer Phillip Telfer where he explains how Captivated is NOT a show which is anti-media and anti-technology.  Instead, he wants to encourage people to think more about what unfettered use of these inventions can do to individuals and society.  I have yet to coax the boys back to watching more of Captivated at the moment.  However, I have a new game plan for how to get them to finish it by watching that particular segment first.

The additional interview segments really blew me away.  I can not imagine how challenging it was for the producers to select which aspects to include in the main show.  However, I am incredibly grateful that they included them on the DVD.  I especially loved hearing more about the evolution of a teen culture after the shift of more ‘teens’ completing high school rather than going to work at an early age.

What’s my bottom-line thought on Captivated?  This is a wonderful show that I believe all parents should consider viewing to help with discernment of how to approach media consumption in their own lives and with setting boundaries for their children.  Some day our children will leave home and we need to be setting both a good example and helping them learn the key of moderation before they leave and find themselves sucked into living a virtual life rather than the life God truly wants them to live.

Curious what other reviewers have to say?  Visit the Captivated DVD review page on Schoolhouse Review Crew site to check it out.

Do you sometimes feel a tug on your heart about your personal consumption or worry over a loved ones’ use of media?

Have you ever done a media fast for any length of time?  What did you find was the benefit to the fast?