Story perspectives

Gen Z Film Students Distracted, Struggle with Classics

1/31/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Film professors report students struggle to finish assigned films, often distracted by their phones.
The Atlantic surveyed 20 professors and found misinterpretations of key plot points in classic films, including from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
The trend mirrors high school English classes, where students are often assigned excerpts.
Gen Z remains engaged with film culture.
Lynn Spigel, a Northwestern University professor, notes that dedicated students stay passionate about learning film.

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Story summary

Film professors report students struggle to finish assigned films, often distracted by their phones.
The Atlantic surveyed 20 professors and found misinterpretations of key plot points in classic films, including from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
The trend mirrors high school English classes, where students are often assigned excerpts.
Gen Z remains engaged with film culture.
Lynn Spigel, a Northwestern University professor, notes that dedicated students stay passionate about learning film.