Throughout the academic year, and especially during summer break, many Penn State students watch films and TV shows to unwind from stressful academic and personal situations.
Despite some benefits of film, students have diverse perspectives on the potential impact filmography has on mental health.
Jessica Cook said entertainment through film and TV has a âbig influenceâ on her life, especially since she can relate to a majority of the stories presented.
Cook (senior-film production) said thereâs no simple way to describe a film s influence on her life since itâs simply a âpowerful thing.â
She said she enjoys TV shows that are relatable: Her favorite program is âEuphoriaâ because it makes her âfeel things.â
Now, according to Forbes, Netflix is worth nearly $200 billion, whereas Blockbuster has become obsolete.
Jo Dumas, a communications professor and a former broadcast engineer in film making, said streaming has removed the camaraderie around movies.
âWe missed the community experience with the streaming,â Jo said. âThere are a lot of attempts through streaming to keep actors working, to keep cinematographers and [directors of photography] working.â
Jo and her husband Charles Dumas, professor emeritus in the School of Theatre, frequently drive by local theaters to see if they are still open. At times, they are the only people in the theater.