What your movie-going etiquette policy says about you

While the Covid-19 pandemic has made many of us turn to OTT, there is still something special about the thrill of the big screen that makes us want to return to theatres again and again.

Now, imagine this: you’ve finally returned to the movies after many years, full of excitement to enjoy the cinematic experience. But as the lights dim and the movie begins, the person sitting behind you won’t stop talking. Things get worse when they rest their legs on the back of your seat, and despite your polite requests, they refuse to move.

Just when you think it can’t get more frustrating, they start fighting with the staff in a loud voice, using abusive language and creating a ruckus.

We know you’re probably rolling your eyes remembering your own similar experiences. But have you ever thought about your own movie-viewing etiquette? It may say more about you than you think.

Movie-viewing etiquette matters

When you go to watch a movie in a theatre, you are surrounded by hundreds of people. The behaviour you show there is your public behaviour.

Ahmedabad-based psychiatrist Dr. Sarthak Dave explains india today Your movie viewing etiquette is important 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 are not selfish, do not only think about yourself, and are compassionate towards the people around you.

Dr Sonal Anand, a psychiatrist at Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai, says, “Good manners like keeping quiet, keeping the phone on silent, eating without making too much noise, and being considerate of others can help improve the movie-watching experience of others. This can help ensure that everyone can enjoy the movie without distractions.”

Meanwhile, Mumbai-based therapist and counsellor Dr Roshan Mansukhani says, “While it may seem like a minor thing, your movie-viewing etiquette actually speaks volumes about your social awareness and respect for others. It reflects your ability to respect the feelings and experiences of others around you, which is an essential component of social intelligence.”

A reflection of your personality

According to Dr Mansukhhani, your personality traits are definitely influenced by your movie watching habits.

For example, if a person keeps talking loudly or using a mobile phone while a movie is playing, he is usually indifferent to the comfort of other people.

However, the doctor says generalisations should be avoided at all costs, as a single instance of misbehaviour does not necessarily point to some kind of evil personality. Situational factors such as stress or intoxication can also explain particular behaviour.

Dr Mansukhhani also pointed out that irrational behaviour in public places sometimes reflects a hidden tendency to seek attention or a lack of emotional control.

Dr Dave also believes that your behaviour in public is a clear reflection of your personality. “Everyone faces challenges, but how you deal with them in a social setting reflects your patience, maturity and self-control. Struggling to manage your actions in public often reflects a lack of self-discipline,” he says.

Additionally, if a person deliberately behaves in a way that makes other people feel uncomfortable, this could be a sign of more serious problems such as narcissism or antisocial tendencies.

Is this an indicator of an underlying mental health problem?

Dr Anand says that not always, but in some cases, movie-watching etiquette can certainly indicate underlying mental health issues.

“Sometimes people with certain personality disorders or impulse control disorders may act inappropriately in public places. Some may also have defiance issues. At times, mild to moderate mental health disorders may go unnoticed by the family, but they may lead to angry outbursts or unacceptable types of behaviour,” she adds.

Furthermore, Dr. Dave explains that frequent arguments over minor issues could be a sign of an underlying anger problem, where even minor provocations can lead to disproportionate reactions.

Similarly, demanding and self-centered behavior often indicates heightened narcissistic traits or pathological self-love, where a person’s needs and desires override concern for others.

Talking about why some people behave so loudly in public places, Dr Mansukhani says, “Loud behaviour and encroachment of personal space is common among people who lack empathy or social skills. It could be a way to compensate for low self-esteem, need for attention, etc. In many cases, such behaviour can be addressed simply by giving a calm but firm response. One can simply ask someone to be quiet or respect personal space. If the issue is not resolved, the person may need to seek assistance from a staff member at the theatre.”

Too much of anything creates a pattern. If someone around you behaves irrationally, it is a matter of some concern, and you should console them privately and help them talk to a counsellor, as they may have some underlying fears that need to be addressed. Remember that sometimes the best response is to not react at all.

The right etiquette for watching movies

• Always arrive on time so as not to disturb others while watching the movie.
• Put your phone on silent mode to prevent interruptions from calls or notifications.
• Avoid talking, texting, or making noise while watching the movie. It is important to ensure that your behavior does not disturb or upset anyone else.
• Respect personal space by keeping your belongings and yourself within your seat and avoiding actions that obstruct the view of others.
• Additionally, to avoid distracting those around you, minimize movements such as getting up or changing positions frequently.