Should Texting Be Allowed During Movies? (Some Theater Owners Think So)

Now that fewer and fewer people are going to the movies on a regular basis, theater owners are willing to try almost anything to increase attendance. But allowing audience members to text during films? We think that may do more harm than good.

Last week at CinemaCon, an annual industry convention in Las Vegas, theater owners and CEOs discussed strategies to lure “today’s savvy moviegoer.” One of the most controversial topics was the proposal to lift bans on texting during movies.

Regal Entertainment Chief Executive Amy Miles suggested that the change be tested during movies like “21 Jump Street,” which are aimed at younger viewers. “You’re trying to figure out if there’s something you can offer in the theater that I would not find appealing but my 18-year-old son might,” she said.

IMAX’s Greg Foster, whose 17-year-old son "constantly has his phone with him," was also enthusiastic about the idea. He said, "We want them to pay $12 to $14 to come into an auditorium and watch a movie. But they've become accustomed to controlling their own existence." Banning cell phone use may make them "feel a little handcuffed," he added.

However, not all theater owners and CEOs are supportive. Tim League, CEO of Alamo Drafthouse, won’t even consider the idea. "Over my dead body will I introduce texting into the movie theater," he said. "I love the idea of playing around with a new concept. But that is the scourge of our industry . . . It's our job to understand that this is a sacred space and we have to teach manners." League believes it should be "magical" to come to the cinema.

We agree with League. There’s nothing quite like the intrusive glow of a cell phone to kill the magic of the movies. But what do you think SodaHeads? Should moviegoers be allowed to text during films?