Poll: Is texting at movie theaters the norm now?

I just got home from seeing Arrival with Amy Adams (it was great btw) and the guy in front of me took his phone out every 10 minutes to read the screen, then he'd put it in his cup holder, still glowing and not turn it off. It was so distracting.
I want to know if this bothers other people and what others would do.

I counted that 5 out of the last 8 times I went to the movies someone took their phone out more than once and started texting.
Is this normal now?
By Marc | 11/22/2016 03:15 AM | 7 comments
Comments are disabled for this blog post.
  • It drives me crazy when people do this. Maybe this is why I prefer going to live theatre more than the cinema.
    ogemawjohn 12/03/2016 10:18 AM
  • Where isn't texting the norm. The other day the clerk at the grocery store was texting as she checked me out. Complain to the manger? You can't find one.
    jacker 11/23/2016 12:48 PM
  • I'd take the phone away and give it to the management!
    Skiddbear 11/22/2016 01:34 PM
  • That's just one of my long list of pet peeves at the cinemas. The last time I was at the movies (Doctor Strange), the chick next to me kept talking to her friend beside her throughout the movie - and I politely asked her to keep it down. I don't really care that she glared at me.
    Other pet peeves :
    People who walk in late, blocking the view for those who were polite enough to be seated in time.
    People who talk during the movie, or bring in noisy kids.
    People who need constant Whatsapp/Facebook/SMS updates during the movie.
    People who use their smartphone flashlights to find their seats AFTER the lights have dimmed.
    Couples who end up necking each other noisily, while others are trying to watch the movie.
    People who don't turn off their ringers during the movie..

    It's a long list, but it's not just me who hates these, I'm sure.
    aliencubby 11/22/2016 08:28 AM
  • There has to be something between politely ask and start an argument. I would just (and have) say shut that off! The white glow from a phone is very distracting and I rarely see it, but if I do I just tell them to take it out to the lobby. I saw Arrival and loved it and another good one is Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk by Ang Lee.
    fenwaydav 11/22/2016 04:48 AM
  • Just saw that movie. It was so good. I usually go watch a movie a week after it opened. On a weekday. The last showing. HAHA I avoid crowds and packed theatres to avoid anything that distracts from the movie. If this were to happen I would let them know politely if it is too distracting...or move and sit in front of them. After I would ask a manager for a free ticket. I have been guilty of doing this once or twice but usually to check the time.
    MorboLatino 11/22/2016 04:37 AM
  • I feel for ya Marc. I hate it, and it just fucking annoys me. I'm fortunate as we live near a theater, so depending on our schedules we can duck out and catch a midweek matinee when sometimes there are zero people in the theater. It's really nice not having to be near obnoxious theater patrons. I think with prices that you pay today that you'll well within reason to ask management to ask the patron to turn their phone off. The PSA's preceding the show are not there as a joke, turn your fucking phones off. All that said, you never know. Less than two weeks ago we were at a ballet, and the guy sitting in front of me was doing the same thing as you described. It was annoying. I mentioned it to my partner walking home--he did not even notice it!
    furball 11/22/2016 03:38 AM