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What your movie-watching etiquette says about you

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While the covid-19 pandemic may have turned many of us into OTT kinda people, there’s still something special about the thrill of the big screen that makes us want to return to theatres now and then.

Now, imagine this: You’ve finally made it back to the movies after ages, brimming with excitement to enjoy the cinematic experience. But as the lights dim and the film begins, the person behind you won’t stop chatting. Things get worse as they’ve propped their feet on the back of your seat, and despite your polite request, they refuse to budge.

Just when you think it can’t get any more frustrating, they get into a loud altercation with the staff, hurling insults and causing a scene.

We know you’re probably rolling your eyes, recalling your own similar experiences. But have you ever stopped to think about your own movie-watching etiquette? It might reveal more about you than you realise.

Movie-watching etiquette matters

When you go to watch a movie at a theatre, you are surrounded by probably hundreds of people. The behaviour that you exhibit there is your public behaviour.

Dr Sarthak Dave, an Ahmedabad-based psychiatrist, tells India Today that your movie-watching etiquette matters because it ensures respect for others, maintains immersion, upholds social norms, and prevents conflicts, creating a better viewing experience for everyone.

It shows that you’re not selfish, don’t care just about yourself, and are empathetic enough to consider the people around you.

Adding to this, Dr Sonal Anand, a psychiatrist at Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai, says, “Good etiquette like being quiet, keeping the phone on silent, eating without making much noise, and being considerate can help in enhancing others’ overall movie-watching experience. It can help ensure that everyone can enjoy the movie without being distracted.”

Meanwhile, Dr Roshan Mansukhani, a Mumbai-based therapist and counsellor, goes on to share, “While it may seem trifling, your movie-watching etiquette actually speaks volumes about your social awareness and respect for others. It reflects your ability to respect other people’s feelings and experiences around you, which is an essential component of social intelligence.”

Paying attention to your behaviour in public settings is essential (Photo: Getty Images)

A reflection of your personality

According to Dr Mansukhani, your personality traits can certainly be derived from your movie-watching behaviour.

For instance, someone who keeps talking loudly or uses a cell phone while the movie is going on might generally be disregardful of other people’s comfort.

However, the doctor mentions that generalising should be avoided at all costs, as a single instance of misbehaviour does not point towards some sort of vicious personality. Situational factors, such as stress or intoxication, could also explain particular behaviours.

Dr Mansukhani also mentions that irrational behaviour in a public setting may sometimes reflect hidden attention-seeking behaviour or a lack of emotional regulation.

Dr Dave also feels that your behaviour in public is a clear reflection of your personality. “Everyone faces challenges, but how you handle them in social settings reveals your composure, maturity, and self-control. Struggling to manage your actions publicly often indicates a lack of self-discipline,” he adds.

Moreover, if someone deliberately engages in behaviour that makes others uncomfortable, it can suggest deeper issues, such as narcissistic or antisocial tendencies.

Is it an indicator of an underlying mental health issue?

Dr Anand states that while not always, in some cases, movie-watching etiquette can definitely hint at underlying mental health issues.

“Sometimes people with certain personality disorders or impulse control disorders may act out in public spaces. Some people with defiance issues may also be troublesome. At times, mild to moderate mental health disorders might go unnoticed by the family but could be the reason for outbursts or unacceptable kinds of behaviour,” she adds.

Further, Dr Dave mentions that frequent arguments over trivial matters may indicate underlying anger issues, where small provocations trigger disproportionate reactions.

Similarly, demanding and self-centred behaviour often points to growing narcissistic traits or pathological self-love, where an individual’s needs and desires overshadow any concern for others.

Talking about why some people behave so loudly in a public setting, Dr Mansukhani says, “Loud behaviour and invasion of personal space are typical in those who lack empathy or social skills. It can be a way of compensating for low self-esteem, a need for attention, etc. In many cases, such behaviour can simply be addressed by a calm but firm response. One could easily ask someone to be quieter or to respect personal space. If the problem does not resolve, one may have to seek the assistance of an employee in the theatre.”

Too much of anything forms a pattern. If someone around you behaves irrationally, it’s a bit of a concern, and you must console them in private and help them speak to a counsellor, as there could be some underlying fear that needs to be addressed. Remember that sometimes no reaction is the best reaction.

Certain behaviours may be connected to underlying mental health issues (Photo: Getty Images)

The right movie-watching etiquette

  • Always arrive on time to avoid disrupting the film for others.
  • Put your phone on silent to prevent interruptions from calls or notifications.
  • During the movie, refrain from talking, texting, or making noise. It is important to ensure that your behaviour does not bother or spoil someone else’s experience.
  • Respect personal space by keeping your belongings and yourself within your seat and avoiding actions that might obstruct others’ views.
  • Additionally, minimise movements, such as frequent getting up or shifting, to avoid distracting those around you.

Published By:

Mehak Malhotra

Published On:

Aug 18, 2024

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