Media Talk 101 Review

Title:  Captivated: Finding Freedom in a Media Captive Culture
Vendor:  Media Talk 101
Price:  $16.95 plus shipping/handling
Ages:  All family members

We recently were privileged to have the opportunity to watch the award winning documentary Captivated: Finding Freedom in a Media Captive Culture written by Phillip Telfer and Colin Gunn.

Today's modern generation is "electrified".  There are few kids that do not own an electronic device of some sort.  Infants now know how to use tablets for games, and toddlers know how to use cell phones.  When we travel, we carry laptops, tablets, cell phones, and mp3 players.  I feel like our electronics carrying bags take up as much space as our clothing at times.   Electronics are very much a part of most of people's everyday lives.

How many places do you go and not see a TV?  Brayden doesn't go anywhere without checking for free wireless.  Our internet goes down and I even freak out a bit.  I really do plan several activities and school around the internet.  I mean, who uses a paper dictionary anymore???  Not me.

Our society is really tied to the internet.  If people aren't checking their emails, they are on social media.  There is a wide selection from Facebook to Twitter.  There are even new business contact sites such as Linkedin.    You can easily spend hours on the computer and not accomplish anything more than updating your Facebook status.

That is where the documentary Captivated: Finding Freedom in a Media Captive Culture comes in.  It is not an anti-social media movie.  It points out the possible dangers of not keeping your social media time in check.

I actually watched it on my own the first time.  We preview most movies before letting Joey watch them.  This movie was not exception to that rule.

I actually enjoyed the movie and the cautionary message that it was giving.  Many of the ones that were interviewed has extreme addictions to social media and online games.  They fortunately woke up and learned how to control their addiction.  People do not even realize that social media can be worse than a gambling addiction.  These ones realized the time that was being stolen out of their days.

With that theme, I cautiously allowed Joey to watch some of Captivated: Finding Freedom in a Media Captive Culture with me.  Joey takes everything he sees and watches to heart.  I was afraid he would read the message as all social media is bad.  And he did.  This though opened up discussions with Joey about learning control over our time on the internet.  We were able to talk about whether or not we could go a whole day without being on Facebook or play an online game.  If we can do it, then we are not "addicted".  But if we cannot, we need to figure out a game plan to protect our hearts and minds.

We also talked about how spending too much time in the e-avenues of life can rob us of precious time.  Time that can be spent with our families or just getting stuff done.

We did enjoy watching Captivated: Finding Freedom in a Media Captive Culture together.  I thought they did a good job trying to get the point across, but unfortunately Joey really saw it as saying just give it up to avoid the chance it might be addictive to your personality. I wish there was more of a balance of people that found the balance without giving up their internet time completely.  I only say this, because with a husband who works from home in IT....the internet is pretty important.

We have been working harder at how much time we spend on social media.  I do random checks through the day now because of our online business.  This is the main way of communication.  I know I am still on more than most, but I have become more aware of when I just seem to be trolling posts.  Captivated: Finding Freedom in a Media Captive Culture was definitely another gentle reminder to keep an eye on our electronics time.  We will definitely remain stronger as a family without the internet and video games stuck between us.

Not sure, check out the trailer....


Captivated - Trailer from Media Talk 101 on Vimeo.

I would definitely recommend watching this with your family if you seem to be experiencing electronics overload in your lives.  The personal stories add a touch that allow you to really make comparisons in your own life.

Be sure to check out their Facebook page.

You can purchase Captivated: Finding Freedom in a Media Captive Culture from the Media Talk 101 Website by visiting here.  Single copies of the title are available for only $16.95.  But multi-copy purchases are available.