Educational Media Reviews Online

For many young adults in high school, and college, constant connection through technology is a way of life rather than a choice. Society has rapidly plunged into this new world without any guidelines or limits. This film explores the impacts of interpersonal interactions using social media and texting through the students of media and social sciences professor, Joni Siani. Interviews with Siani’s students show a love-hate relationship with being, “plugged in.” The more they socialize online, the more unfulfilled and isolated they feel, mirroring statistics Siani gives that show many others their age are experiencing public humiliation, mental illness, personality disorders, lack of empathy and lack of social skills.

Rather than a deep dive into this subject, this film is more of an introduction for educators interested in replicating Siani’s seven-day “Digital Cleanse” assignment. Students will see video diary entries from their peers as they struggle to give up trying to stay in touch with everyone and everything and slowly experience the benefits of disconnecting. They will gain a basic understanding of dopamine and the brain’s reward system and then see that putting down their cell phone can lead to better sleep, less anxiety, and deeper connections with those around them. Siani also gives a basic three-part strategy for students to use after the Cleanse to manage their use of social media and texting long term in a mindful and informed way.

Educators interested in implementing Siani’s assignment can find the parameters in the No App for Life Challenge and order materials from Bull Frog Films.

This film contains references to texting sexual content and pictures and to suicide.

Awards

• Best Documentary Boston International Kids Film Festival