tech
To the tablet and beyond: does Toy Story 5 go hard enough on technology?
The animated sequel sets up a tug-of-war between physical and digital play for children but is still eager not to be an anti-tech screed
TL;DR
- The Toy Story series has historically explored themes of obsolescence and a child's changing interests, with Toy Story 5 addressing the growing influence of technology.
- The film reflects contemporary parental anxieties surrounding children's screen time, the mental health implications of device use, and the regulation of technology in schools.
- In the movie, a tablet called 'Lily' becomes a competitor to traditional toys, causing distress to characters like Jessie, who fears being replaced.
- Toy Story 5 does not present a purely anti-tech message, acknowledging the practicalities and potential benefits of technology, as well as the complex motivations of parents.
- The film suggests that the emotional consequences of technology are often human-generated, with issues like bullying arising even within limited digital interactions.
- While the movie offers a nuanced view, the article critiques that its approach to balancing technology and traditional play can feel mathematically derived rather than emotionally resonant.
- The film ultimately suggests that while technology changes, the core aspects of guiding a child and creating lasting memories remain universal.