Third anniversary of “Do I have a mobile family?” brings something new with workshops
Joint production by NMHH and Momentán Improv Theatre Company explores the future
Momentán Improv Theatre Company and the National Media and Infocommunications Authority (NMHH) took the stage with an anniversary production in their series of popular improvisation performances promoting media literacy. Since June 2023, “Do I have a mobile family?” has helped parents and their children with simple advice on how to create a balanced family life while using digital tools. For the first time, the anniversary performance was complemented by inviting and supportive workshops.
For the last three years, “Do I have a mobile family?” has provided a forum across the country for parents and their children to discuss the digital challenges facing families through humour, honesty and shared experiences, said the Head of the NMHH’s Child Protection Department at the event. In his opening speech, Ákos Somogyi also recalled that the school version of the production made its debut in May this year, presenting threats in the digital space and possible solutions, specifically tailored to the needs of adolescent and secondary-school students.
The stage play was hosted by the Momentán Theatre. The actors took ideas from the audience to reenact family life situations allowing the audience to recognise the opportunities and risks in mobile devices, video games and artificial intelligence (AI). The performance also encouraged the audience to jointly reflect on the future of digital technology and the use of AI. The theatre company’s work was supported by comments from expert futurologist Árpád Rab, based on which the actors reenacted certain scenes applying sound and good practices.
Árpád Rab pointed out, among other things, that digital tools and AI are meant to improve our lives, make it more comfortable and multiply our capabilities. Fundamentally, we should not use these technological advances with fear, the expert pointed out, adding that the key is conscious device use and critical thinking and being able to choose valuable content from the deluge of information flooding us.
A novelty of the event was that after the stage production, the members of the theatre company and the NMHH staff invited the audience to take part in smaller workshops. The inviting and supportive sessions allowed for more active participation and deeper involvement than before, with the actors encouraging attendees to engage in joint reflection through association games. By recalling shared memories, the groups talked about how digital technology had changed our everyday lives in recent years and what to expect in the future. The sessions were overseen by Árpád Rab, with whom the participants had the opportunity to engage in deeper discussions.
The NMHH and the Momentán Improv Theatre Company will continue to work to help parents and their children navigate everyday issues of the digital age through dialogue and joint reflection, raising awareness through experience.
For the highlights of the anniversary performance, see the video below, available to be freely used: