Is social media ruining people's movie experiences?

Starlogger

It seems that over the past several years, with the proliferation of social media, fan websites (such as this one), and the internet in general, we are griping more and more and more, picking apart movies (and other things) with vigor, focusing on negatives more than positives.

I understand everyone has opinions. That's a given. But, to me, it's getting to the point where I think about unplugging almost every day because my initial thrill and expectation regarding a movie (or a book, or a product, or an album, or whatever) is getting ruined by the "squeaky wheels".

Sociology tells us that the "squeaky wheels" are almost always those with NEGATIVE experiences to report. VAST MAJORITIES of the POSITIVE experiences do not get reported. it's a simple fact.  However, it's hard not to be swayed by the "negative nancies".

Understand, this is not an attack on anyone, certainly not this site, which I enjoy immensely...just a question about where we are headed. Are you enjoying your entertainment MORE or LESS over the last few years, and how much is the internet/social media affecting YOUR opinion (and it IS affecting it. If you don't think it is, then you're dead wrong), and is it for the BETTER...or WORSE?

Something Real

STARLOGGER - I say this quite simply: I agree with you wholeheartedly. :)

Im Durp

Well I'd say my enjoyment out of cinema has remained pretty consistent, and social media and the general public consensus has never swayed me. I've liked movies that are hated and I've disliked movies that are loved.

But hey, I love the star Wars prequels and will argue their merits all day, get a great amount of enjoyment out of the very hated AVP, and only think Christopher Nolan made one really good batman movie, so I'm kind of an exception to most people's opinion and largely always have been.

Phallic Jaw

Social Media is cancer.  But also an unfortunate part of our lives now.

Starlogger

@imdurp I agree with u about forming ones own opinions but it's easy to become disillusioned and less excited so even though I ignore others opinions they still affect my enjoyment.

@phallic jaw I agree I think (un)social media is making us all antisocial, ironically.

The Hooded Figure

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Centauri

overall on the net,  My only gripe is the spoilers that are intentionally out in the open, without a spoiler warning. I admit, it has ruined some of the expirience for me.

dk

I agree with the OP. Spoilers and opinions definitely can colour one's experience. I can only blame myself for tuning in though. For film makers there is probably pressure to promote the film to entice movie goers. I don't see this going away soon. 

Amos Perrins

I came to the Alien series in the 90s after Resurrection so none of those films were ruined by hype for me - I loved the lot. I engaged with the hype surrounding Covenant much more than I did with Prometheus and it has tainted my experience (though the inherent expectations that come with a prequel also have a massive effect).