The use of subtitles when watching shows or movies has become a common debate amongst social media platforms. 

On Twitter, @lostattsea created a funny tweet emphasizing their support of the use of subtitles that went viral that has caused some dispute among students in classes in high school.

One of the many reasons for the use of subtitles is to combat background noise. Senior Noah Humphries argues that there are easier solutions to this problem than using subtitles. “Turn up the volume. That way you can just relax and listen to whatever you are watching,” Humphries said.

On the other hand, fellow senior Carter Cline is in full support for the use of subtitles. “Turning up the volume doesn’t solve the issue because usually people in the background just start talking louder and there’s always an imbalance,” he said, “They [subtitles] are more helpful because you just read when you miss a word or two.”

Some students, like senior Adrian Swanson, do not prefer one option over the other. “If they are off, I will keep them off. Or if they are on, I will keep them on. It doesn’t really matter,” he said.

Perhaps students with similar opinions to both Swanson and Humphries should reconsider their viewpoints, as studies have shown people in favor for the use of subtitles reap benefits from them.

Several studies have confirmed that the use of subtitles enhances various areas of reading for children, people with disabilities, and even adults. Some of these skills include reading speed, reading fluency, vocabulary knowledge, and more.

Confirmed by the Spartan Shield’s Twitter account’s poll, people who use subtitles at Pleasant Valley High School are in the significant minority. Only 33 percent of students who answered the poll are in favor of the use of subtitles. However, this minority group uses them for practical reasons and enhances their reading skills while doing so.

Even though subtitles do cover up some of the ongoing action in a show, the benefits outwigh this minor complication. Missing an important line in the show can result in confusion to the overall plot and reduce the a misconception of the show, as well enhancing reading ability.

Subtitles do nothing but ruin user experience between video entertainment and enjoyment by distracting the viewer, destroying suspense, and blemishing great cinematography. 

One of the greatest disadvantages of using subtitles is the way they take away from the cinematic experience. Producers, cinematographers and directors spend years making and perfecting films and TV  shows. When someone chooses to use subtitles during their viewing experience, the text invades upon the work those artists have created.

Senior Sam Necker is strongly against the use of subtitles. “They completely take away from the experience the creators have made for the viewer. They should only be used if there is no sound or someone is deaf,” he said. Many people share Necker’s opinion as well. 

In fact, 67 percent of respondents to a Twitter poll said they don’t use subtitles. However, this means 33 percent of the respondents are poisoning their viewer experience. Senior Jimmy Feeney spoke of the prominent distraction subtitles create. “When you use subtitles, your eyes go directly toward the words instead of what’s actually on the screen,” he said. 

Another issue with subtitles is their inability to express inflection and emotion. Feeney also dislikes subtitles for this reason. “Subtitles also dilute the dialogue itself as all you pay attention to are the words they’re saying and not how they say it and the tone and pacing they use,” he said. If someone were to rely solely on subtitles, they would likely miss many moments of emotion. 

Admittedly, movies and television have become increasingly hard to hear when it comes to dialogue. Studios have become notorious for raising the volume of sound effects and music while keeping dialogue stagnant. However, audio engineers aren’t going to cover up important or plot-affecting words. Chances are that if someone can’t hear a line, they can assume what was said. If not, simply rewind or turn the volume up. 

When it comes to demolishing a cinematic experience, subtitles take the crown. “They ruin anything dependent on timing, like jokes or moments of tension. (Imagine reading ‘Luke, I am your father’ a half-second before hearing it),” wrote Wired magazine. Unless subtitles are absolutely necessary, like for entertainment in another language, they absolutely should not be used.