DISconnected

I just finished watching this trailer for the upcoming MTV movie DISconnected (click here to watch).

And my heart is aching.

I wish I could convince myself that this is something that isn’t really happening for most kids, but I know better. The challenges of growing up in a world where you can be connected 24/7 and anything you post online can be preserved forever and seen by everyone knows no boundaries. It’s not just happening in cities. It’s not just an upper-middle class issue. It’s something all of our students are facing.

I wrote another post about the online choices a few teens made and the consequences they’ll have to live with for the rest of their lives. Students are navigating a world where virtual and reality collide in ways that very few of us dreamed of even 10 years ago.

Here’s the summary from the DISconnected website:

“DISconnected” tells the story of four young people living in different cities who know each other through a live streaming site. Isaiah is a big presence on the site, but has trouble relating to his girlfriend Nikki when they’re together. Lisa’s attraction to her boyfriend Jack — who she met online — heats up as she makes plans to meet up with him. Maria’s constant texting of her boyfriend John ignites a break-up feud that extends to their friends and profiles. Tom refuses to reveal his identity when he posts his music online, but antagonizes others from the safety of his bedroom laptop. All of them are dealing with digital drama that complicates their loves, friendships and lives. One night, it all spins out of control.

Here’s what the press release from MTV says about the film:

MTV today announced it will premiere its newest original TV movie, (dis)connected, on Monday, October 10 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. (dis)connected tells the story of four young people whose lives unexpectedly collide online and illustrates how growing up digital can complicate life and love. Although the characters have never met in-person before, they have an extraordinary impact on one another, culminating in one night none of them could have imagined.

(dis)connected is inspired in part by the true, tragic tale of Abraham Biggs, a 19-year-old who battled bipolar disorder and ultimately webcast his suicide after being egged on by a digital mob.

The movie premieres on MTV October 10 at 9/8 central. I’d encourage you to watch or DVR it. I know I will.