Anthony Chen Says Social Media Is 'Hurting Our Humanity' at FEFF Panel

Filmmaker Anthony Chen delivered a pointed critique of social media at the Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy, telling a panel audience that platforms designed to capture attention are "hurting our humanity" — a statement that resonated far beyond the festival's cinema-focused crowd.

Chen, whose latest film "We Are All Strangers" opened the festival, used the platform to discuss the intersection of artificial intelligence, diminishing attention spans, and the erosion of cinema culture. His remarks touched on a concern shared by many in the creative industries: that the relentless optimization of digital platforms for engagement is fundamentally altering how people consume and appreciate art.

The director argued that social media's demand for constant, bite-sized content has eroded the patience required to engage with longer-form storytelling — the kind that cinema has traditionally excelled at delivering. It's not just about movies, though. Chen framed the issue as one of human connection, suggesting that the habits formed by endless scrolling and instant gratification are making it harder for people to be present with each other.

His film, "We Are All Strangers," explores themes of disconnection and alienation that feel increasingly relevant in a world where digital interaction often substitutes for physical presence. The decision to open the Far East Film Festival with such a work underscores the organizers' recognition that these themes transcend regional cinema.

The panel also touched on AI's role in creative industries, a topic that has divided filmmakers. While some see AI as a tool that can enhance storytelling, others view it as a threat to the human craft at the heart of cinema. Chen's position appears to lean toward caution — not rejecting technology outright, but insisting that it serve human expression rather than replace it.

What This Means For You: The debate over social media's impact on our attention, relationships, and creative culture isn't going away. Chen's remarks at FEFF are part of a growing chorus of artists and thinkers questioning whether the tools we've built to connect us are actually doing the opposite. If you've ever felt that your attention span has shortened or that your digital life feels more disconnected than connected, you're experiencing exactly what he's describing — and it's worth asking what you might do differently.