Comic for 2026-09-18
So, the first part of this is true... my wife and I love us some family movie nights (or family board game nights, but due to how tired we often are on the rare occasions we're all around, movie nights happen more often).
But lately I've realized the second part is... also true? We hear so much about what short form media (YouTube shorts, Tik Tok, Insta reels etc) is doing to our attention spans, to the dopamine centers of the brain itself, that I find myself checking to make sure my boys' brains are still, y'know... working.
They're 10 and (fucking hell I cannot believe this) just shy of 13; neither of them have access to social media, but they do consume a non-zero amount of what might be considered short-form entertainment. So I do find myself watching them watching a movie. Checking for signs that their attention might be wandering. Also checking to see if they appear to be comprehending what we're watching.
I'm satisfied to say that, so far, neither of our boys have any problem sitting and following a two hour movie. It kind of seems like an odd bar to clear, but also, kind of not these days. Because I'm a little surprised at the number of friends they have that seem unable to do the same. I'm not going to disparage other kids or other parents/parenting choices, that's not really my concern nor my point. And honestly the point isn't about being able to sit through a movie, per se.
More that if they can stay focused on a movie for two hours, I feel more confident about their ability to stay focused for a one hour lecture, or at a job, or whatever. When I was a kid my parents would say that thing about "tv rotting your brain," and here I am considering it a win when my kids choose to watch an actual show with narrative/writing vs just wanting to surf YouTube slop.
Comments (4)
I have the same feelings and also watch them closely all the time, as we‘re in the cinema or at the couch together. Sadly they do seem to really struggle the last third of even the most entertaining movies. So I think the whole Youtube (Kids) and general small game availability on smartphones/tablets, even while being time controlled, spoils them here and there. For me back in the 90s it has been way easier to concentrate on episodes of series or movies, then it is for them today apparently. But to be fair, I still can name every character and even some actors from back then, where I struggle to remember the characters names two days after seeing a (blockbuster) movie today. So even for us parents the attention span seems to drift quite quick. Damn you smartphones and Information everywhere, everytime 😎
It's a good thing and sad at the same time. And it is sort of you concern, it being that your kids interact with those other kids. Hopefully parents such as yourself unite and make people see what's happening. Untill then we can only educate our own children.
Our kids are about the same age as yours, and I absolutely feel your thoughts. They also don't have unlimited access to media, but if they have the opportunity, they absolutely watch the hell out of YouTube. I even am glad, if they watch regular videos rather than Shorts. They are still able to watch and understand full movies and we even manage to play longer lasting board games like Monopoly. Overall I think we could have done worse as parents.
Please do not ruin their boardgame experience with Monopoly that early 😆 Go for the Game of the Year ones, as they will fill all family gaming needs and introduce them to one of the greatest hobbies available.