Today’s teens and young adults are increasingly more interested in watching video content, even brand-new movies, on their computers, iPods, and cell phones, according to a recent Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg poll. According to the survey, 56% of those between the ages of 21 and 24 would rather watch new movies at home, if they could choose between that and going to a theater to watch them.
Among 12-to-17-year-olds, 47% like watching movies on their computers, while 18% cited an iPod or similar device and 11% pointed to cell phones. Among 21-to-24-year-olds, the computer-watching percentage was similar, although only 7% said they like to use an iPod and 6% referred to a cell phone.
Dan Glickman, president of the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America), lamented the poll’s results, saying: “You can’t have a thriving movie industry without having a thriving theatrical business.”
BitTorrent president Ashwin Navin retorted: “A lot of people want to watch movies on their PC, and part of the attraction is portability: You can take the movie with you. And a computer is private, in a [kid’s] own space. They don’t have to contend for the remote control. It doesn’t replace the experience of theatergoing, but the selection is much broader.”