How media sparks connection in classrooms

Popular media sparks connection in classrooms

Art by Urvi KUlKA rni

Robin Linares

Many students can recall walking into a classroom and being struck by a wall of chatter, hearing their peers discussing a long-awaited premiere of a popular show or movie before class. While exciting conversations sweep up many students, some are left in dangerous waters as they try to navigate away from any spoilers they may overhear.

Often, students engaging in these conversations take extra caution when around people who haven’t gotten the chance to see it for themselves to ensure that an accidental slip of the tongue wouldn’t ruin their experience.

“Your reaction is going to be much better when you don’t know what’s coming,” said senior Yajur Preetham. “If you spoil it, you’re ruining an amazing experience for somebody. I mean, nobody likes that.”

Whatever the students’ reactions to a popular show or movie may be, there is a good chance that many forms of media have connected students in a variety of areas, from online discourse to the classroom.

In many cases, these discussion-worthy media come from various mediums, from big blockbuster hits to shows exclusively on streaming platforms to movies that appeal to people’s nostalgia.

For instance, when looking at big blockbuster hits, many don’t need to look further than movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. According to Internet Movie Database (IMDb), four of the Top 10 highest-grossing movies of all time come from Marvel movies released in the last decade. Streaming services also play a significant role in shows achieving popularity.

According to Neilsen, an analytical data group focused on data from media and television shows,

views from streaming services have gained more popularity than broadcast television viewership. This data was found especially during May 2022, concurring with the initial release of “Stranger Things 4”.

Students echo the importance of shows on streaming services.

“I’d say many shows on Netflix are very popular like, for example, ‘Stranger Things’ or ‘Gilmore Girls,’” said Kate Dimon, freshman. “Shows like that are specifically aimed at teenage audiences.”

However, there are instances where the media can provide negative responses rather than positive ones among the student population.

For example, when “13 Reasons Why” premiered in 2017, with the premise centered around a high schooler’s suicide, there were many unfortunate effects.

According to a study published by the National Institute of Health, there was a 28.7% increase in teen suicide rates following the show’s release, causing the study to urge responsible portrayal of suicide in media.

As one student explained, the response to the show’s release varied within the classrooms, with some teachers checking in with students following the show’s release.

“Shows like ‘13 Reasons Why’ is something I know my teacher talked about a while back,” said Jahdai Hernandez, senior.

However, other educators, like Shelley Bustamante, Carlmont’s Mental Health Specialist, chose not to address the show when teaching students about mental health. She never watched the show since she felt it glamorized suicide, and she explained why shows with sensitive topics need to take more responsibility for what they are promoting.

“It has to be carefully done,” Bustamante said. “Kids are very impressionable and especially when they’re watching people they can relate to and even look up to, like celebrities, actors, musicians, and things like that.”

Often, during times of darkness and tragedy, nostalgia in media helps bring positivity. According to the research study “Nostalgia: Past, Present, and Future,” published by the Association of Psychological Science, nostalgia can play an important role in connecting with others when people feel otherwise disconnected within their community.

For many students this summer, “Minions: Rise of Gru” was a way they could stay connected when school wasn’t in session. Many contributed to the trend by suiting up in formal attire or minion costumes to view the movie in theaters.

“If everyone's wearing a tuxedo and going see the minion movies, you want to be a part of it,” said senior Konstantin Pejakovic.

Emi Pajarillo, freshman, explained how the appeal to her inner child fueled her enjoyment of the movie.

“It definitely turned into this trend, and that’s why people (wanted) to do that,” Pajarillo said. “Also, the genuine interest part. It’s like, ‘Oh, I watched this when I was younger, and now there’s another one.’ So there’s still that interest there.”

Bustamante noted that media can greatly influence its impact on students in and outside the classroom.

“I think media is very powerful when it’s made with the intent to educate and contribute to making the world a better place, not being reckless with the ways they express the topic,” Bustamante said.