Media Talk 101 Review

Media Talk 101 has produced a 107 minute documentary appropriately titled Captivated that seeks to answer honest questions about the amount of media consumption adults, teens, and children live with on a daily basis. I was given a copy of the Captivated DVD to watch in exchange for my review.

 

What is Media Talk 101?

Media Talk 101 is a non-profit Christian organization founded by Phillip Telfer. He founded Media Talk 101 in 2005 after having ministered to youth and families for over 20 years, speaking at camps, retreats, conferences, schools, and churches around the country. Their goal at Media Talk 101 is to help this generation understand the impact that media has in their lives and to teach the importance of making wise choices as followers of Jesus. It is their belief that today's entertainment is one of the biggest stumbling blocks to spiritual growth. In response to this belief, Media Talk 101 seeks to approach the subject using Biblical principles instead of legalistic rules to help Christians use discernment in their lives when it comes to media consumption.

Trained speakers at Media Talk 101 provide multi-media presentations for youth, young adults, parents, educators, and church leaders. These compelling messages are more than just seminars - they are based on Biblical principles that can be applied to the problem of our media saturated society.

You can visit the website of Media Talk 101 to purchase the Captivated DVD, download a sample of their workbook, teaching video clips, and other helpful resources. You can also connect with them on Facebook and Twitter.

What's Included on the Captivated DVD?

• The "Scene Selection" option is available so if you have to stop watching and come back at a later time, you will have help finding where you left off in your viewing.
• Spanish subtitles as well as English closed caption are available for this DVD. You will find these helpful options in the "Setup" area.
• "Bonus Features" include the movie trailer, Gospel for Asia (Missionary ministry outreach efforts to forgotten areas in Asia), extended interviews, and a word from the producer.
• Interviews featuring Ray Comfort, Bob Waliszewski, Dr. Ted Baehr, Dr. Jeff Myers, Kerby Anderson, Kevin Swanson, Dr. David Walsh, Al Menconi, Dr. Dimitri Christakis, Dick Rolfe, Phil Chalmers, Professor Mark Bauerlein, Maggie Jackson, and more.
• Personal stories of everyday people who openly share their past struggles with media and technology consumption that had taken over their lives, but found freedom from the bondage they admit had taken them over.

What's the Price?

The price for 1 DVD is $16.95. There are discounts for multiple purchases, plus shipping is free on most domestic orders.

 

Who Can View Captivated?

This documentary is intended for adults, but it has been approved for all ages. You will need either a computer with DVD playing capability or a regular DVD player for your television.

My Opinion of the Captivated DVD

I watched this media documentary when I had some quiet time to myself. I was alarmed at the various statistics that were shared throughout the run time. The average child watches TV over 53 hours per week. By graduation they will have consumed 18,000-22,000 hours! Did you know that now there are more TVs than people per household?!

The personal testimonies from people who had found freedom from their own individual struggles with media and technology consumption were very encouraging. One dad who shared in the documentary actually led his family on a 30-day media fast and said afterwards,

"We're not just saying no media, but we're saying use it in responsible and in God glorifying ways."

I have to agree with his logic. Several years ago, my family and I did a one week media fast. The freedom and enjoyment we experienced together as a family was so much more valuable than any of the media and technology that we had given up during that time.

Other quotes that spoke to my heart as I viewed this media documentary were:

"Social networking sites are an enhancer for life's relationships, but it's not a replacement."

 and

"Insurgent - an enemy that is woven into the fabric of the society with no way to clearly identify the enemy. That's a challenge in dealing with media. A lot of our Christians are asleep and they don't realize that the enemy is in bed with our society. He's an insurgent woven into the fabric." 

Viewing the Captivated DVD has caused me to reflect again on my own daily consumption of media and technology for myself and that of my family. I would highly recommend watching this documentary. Parenting in today's media and technology captivated world is tough. As parents, we need to know what we're up against. Not only for our kids, but for ourselves as well.

Walking in His Grace, 

Laurie