When social media became more widespread, it made it harder for filmmakers to depend on bored teens or young adults as a marketable source. The attention span of people now is notably shorter compared to twenty years ago due to social media’s rise in popularity (Taylor and Francis Online, 2021).

The convenience instant entertainment offers in the face of boredom has become more and more preferable than watching a full movie, or even just one episode of a television show. This could be because of anything from interest to the lack of anything modern or current in the program. 

Filmmakers have been affected drastically by this, meaning consumers have been interacting less with film and more with sites like TikTok and Instagram, leaving the teams behind creating films and shows that aren’t part of a populous, already existing franchise, such as “Stranger Things” or anything that’s part of the MCU, losing jobs or seeking other careers outside of their passions (Sheffield, 2022).

No one should be made to feel as if something they love doing is now worth less than when they were young and watching TV before the massive social media uproar. 

The love that some people have for movies and the efforts that go into making one is something that is not as easily expressed because of the conversation shift, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, away from film, movie theaters, and shows that previously would have been popular if it weren’t for the postponing of  production and release dates to the fast entertainment that social media provides. 

If people were to have TV shows or movies on in the background instead of music or videos on YouTube while doing chores or other activities, it could support filmmakers in a way that doesn’t involve a focused attention span.

It could also introduce viewers to topics and genres that they may not have otherwise paid any attention to, including informational documentaries and educational items that would peak interest in some people if they were too bored without TikTok or other sites to mindlessly scroll through.

This could benefit everyone and remind them of the way things were before the pandemic, especially in Logansport.

Due to COVID-19, movie sales dropped for Mary Max Cinemas. More people were quarantined and spending time on streaming services and social media. This was a good thing because of the pandemic, but Mary Max nearly closed because of a lack of business.