Understanding letterboxd users: the platform’s influence on film consumption and cinephilia in the digital age

Abstract

Letterboxd is an online platform that is becoming more and more popular among film enthusiasts. It serves as a space where users engage in film-related activities such as creating their individualized film diaries, giving ratings, writing reviews, and creating their personal watching lists. This study explores the complex field of user psychology in the context of Letterboxd, analyzing the platform’s notable impact on users’ film-watching habits, the influence of other users’ opinions on what people think, and the platform’s contribution to the transformation of cinephilia in the digital age. Using quantitative and qualitative methodology, the research employs survey data enhanced with open-ended questions to capture the complex nature of user participation. The goal of the study is to determine how Letterboxd affects users’ habits of film consumption by investigating how the platform creates a sense of community among its users, shapes their preferences and viewing decisions, and influences their own opinions regarding films. Furthermore, it aims to unravel the role of Letterboxd in the evolution of a new understanding of cinephilia in the digital age. Ultimately, the research illuminates the changing landscape of cinema appreciation by deconstructing the dynamics of spectatorship habits, the impact of other people’s thoughts on forming people’s opinions, and the ever-evolving nature of cinephilia.