Every generation in the last century has experienced media differently. The 1920-40s saw the rise in radio broadcasting, The 1960S-2000 was the era of cable television where the time of day determined when people would watch tv and movies at cinemas or on tape, and then the 2000s-the present, where the majority of the population watches tv shows and movies alone, at home, only to be conversed about with others who have decided to watch that same film or series as streaming found popularity in 2007. The rise in streaming services and the frequent viewing of movies and shows at home is now a common, anti-climactic part of everyday life that has stripped the pleasure out of the sheer amusement that comes from watching tv simultaneously with other people.
The experience that comes with watching a show or movie has radically drifted too far away from what it was originally meant to be. There has always been a way to watch movies from the past whether it be by tape or DVD; however, now it is a rare occurrence to watch a recent production at the same time as everyone else. Movie theaters are rapidly losing popularity; according to the University of Michigan, the last two decades alone have seen ticket sales decrease over 46% due to the easy accessibility of these movies at home. Because of this, cinemas have become increasingly more expensive at roughly 16 dollars a ticket plus concessions. I miss when I could go to a theater more often than not because I did not own the movie or show at home and actually was able to afford to go.
Streaming platforms have forced their way into society. From what was once only Netflix, is now an absurd sum of different platforms. When looking for a place to watch a movie or show, instead of looking through one service, viewers are forced to scroll endlessly through multiple platforms where each has its own monthly subscription of roughly 10-15 dollars a month. The content given is nowhere near it should be for the price consumers pay given that most people need multiple different apps to access all they wish to.
The overload of media and accessibility to it has dramatically changed how audiences value it. Back before streaming, movies were harder to access making it a special outing when families or friends planned a trip to the theater in what felt like a shared cultural experience. Now, that communal experience of laughing and reacting together has essentially disappeared. Highly anticipated films lose their impact because everyone is watching them at different times; those who choose to go to a theater versus the many who wait till it is released onto a streaming platform.
In the small places where this is still happening, it does not last long. Anticipated movies are talked about for give or take a few days, and ones that were not as waited for are discussed for even less. Shows like Stranger Things, have about a week before they are forgotten about until the next trend comes along. Initially, media unified people in real time; the shift from this content to individual consumption reflects the present reality of convenience over community and the lack of a shared experience. Instead of watching new releases alone, audiences should make the effort to go to theaters every once in a while or stay at home with friends and family watching it together, bringing back the aspects of media that once made memories.
