Bonding at the movies
If too much of your life seems to be hooked on a smartphone, here’s another reason to turn your leisure time attention to a bigger screen.
Study after study shows that watching a movie with loved ones is good for you. It strengthens bonds, establishes family time, and builds tradition.
One study from the University of Rochester found that watching romantic movies helped couples identify and deal with their marital issues more constructively, cutting divorce rates for newlyweds by 13 per cent.
Multiple studies have also found that establishing regular quality family time, such as movie nights, can help you raise more resilient kids. The benefits go beyond the immediate enjoyment of having watched a movie, because over time, the shared experiences help create a family narrative that grounds children and makes them feel bonded to their families well into adulthood.
But there is more to it than meets the eye.
“To get the most benefit, movie watching needs to be an active experience,” says Kate Brennan, senior communications manager for Redbox, a leading name in new release, movie rentals. “That means selecting a movie that suits your purpose or current state of mind, immersing yourself in the story and contextualizing what you’ve just seen to your everyday life. Passive watching, such as flipping through movies or playing them in the background greatly reduces the quality of the experience. In some ways, it has actually been found to be counterproductive, as it increases distraction and shortens attention span.”
Brennan points out that for a low cost, the Redbox service offers a wide range of new-release DVDs and Blu-ray discs, featuring the most popular celebrities and characters. It’s also an option for Canadians to view new release movies, not available on Netflix or any other streaming services on the market. You can reserve them online at redbox.ca, or make a selection in the kiosk at your favourite retailer. (NC)
