Watch Screened Out

Screened Out is a 2020 documentary film directed by Jon Hyatt that explores the impact of screen addiction on individuals, families, and society as a whole. The film features interviews with experts in psychology, sociology, and neuroscience, as well as parents and children from different backgrounds who share their experiences with excessive screen time.

The film starts by highlighting the ubiquity of screens in our lives and how the pandemic has only made it worse as people are forced to stay indoors and rely on their devices to work, learn, and socialize. The film argues that while screens are incredibly useful and can enhance our lives in many ways, they can also be addictive and harm our mental and physical health.

One of the main points that Screened Out makes is that screens are designed to be addictive. From social media apps that use algorithms to keep users scrolling endlessly to video games that use rewards to keep players hooked, screens are engineered to keep us engaged for as long as possible. As a result, many people find themselves spending hours each day on their phones, tablets, or computers, often to the detriment of their relationships, productivity, and well-being.

The film then explores the impact of screen addiction on children, who are particularly vulnerable to its effects. The film cites studies that show that excessive screen time can lead to a range of problems, including obesity, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. The film also argues that screens can be a major source of conflict between parents and children, as many parents struggle to set boundaries and enforce screen-free time.

Screened Out then delves into the societal implications of screen addiction, arguing that screens are changing the way we think, communicate, and relate to each other. The film suggests that screens may be contributing to a decline in empathy and social skills, as well as an increase in loneliness and isolation. The film also explores how screens are affecting our politics, as social media algorithms can create filter bubbles that reinforce our existing beliefs and make it harder to have productive conversations with those who hold different views.

Throughout the film, director Jon Hyatt weaves together personal stories, expert insights, and archival footage to create a compelling narrative that is both entertaining and informative. The film is visually dynamic, with a mix of animation, on-screen text, and documentary footage that keeps the viewer engaged. The film also makes effective use of humor, with several tongue-in-cheek scenes that poke fun at our screen-obsessed culture.

Finally, Screened Out offers some solutions to the problem of screen addiction. The film suggests that we need to be more mindful of our screen use and be intentional about carving out screen-free time. The film also encourages parents to set clear boundaries around screens and model healthy screen habits for their children. The film argues that we need to create more opportunities for face-to-face interactions and strengthen our social connections if we want to mitigate the negative effects of screens on our lives.

Overall, Screened Out is a thought-provoking and timely documentary that raises important questions about the role of screens in our lives. The film challenges us to rethink our relationship with technology and consider the ways in which screens may be both enriching and impoverishing our lives. Whether you're a parent struggling to set screen boundaries for your children, a student grappling with screen addiction, or simply someone interested in the impact of technology on society, Screened Out is a film that you won't want to miss.

Screened Out is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 11 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 54.