Technology is not the villain in ‘Toy Story 5.’ Excess is

Technology is not the villain in ‘Toy Story 5.’ Excess is

Technology is not the villain in Toy – In a whimsical scene set on the dusty backroads of Radiator Springs, where Lightning McQueen and his companions reside, a sudden meteor shower looms as a potential threat to the tiny quarter-sized cars. The chaos mirrors the dramatic flair of disaster film icon Roland Emmerich, whose work often blends natural calamity with human ingenuity. Fortunately, Buzz Lightyear arrives to avert the impending catastrophe, racing in from the world of “Paw Patrol” to rescue the day. As I watched my toddler son reenact the sequence with his toys, a wave of guilt washed over me—something I hadn’t anticipated. The scene, simple and playful on the surface, felt like a metaphor for the modern struggle between technology and childhood.

The latest chapter in Pixar’s beloved franchise, ‘Toy Story 5,’ opens this Friday and introduces a new challenge for Bonnie’s cherished toys. Lilypad, a sleek and alluring tablet, becomes the focal point of this conflict, symbolizing the growing influence of digital screens in a child’s life. While the film doesn’t paint technology as the enemy, it subtly highlights the tension that arises when screens dominate a child’s time. My son, who has been indulged in a carefully measured dose of screen time, has watched portions of his favorite shows roughly twice daily. I, as a parent, have long been critical of this habit, yet I found myself questioning whether the movie would ultimately condemn the practice.

Far from being a critique of technology itself, ‘Toy Story 5’ presents a nuanced view of its role in a child’s world. The narrative explores how devices like Lilypad can both connect and isolate, offering Bonnie a gateway to new friendships while displacing her traditional playmates. A long-abandoned toy robot, early in the film, delivers a poignant warning: “The age of toys is over,” it declares, as screens encroach on the space once reserved for imagination. This moment resonates deeply, underscoring the film’s central theme—the balance between digital engagement and the tangible joys of play.

Some of the challenges faced by children are irreversible, according to Josephine Hunt, a public-school teacher and advocate for children’s mental health in Park Ridge, New Jersey. “We may be on a device answering emails or working on projects, but our children are watching us,” Hunt explained. “They don’t always grasp the distinction between necessity and recreation.” The film’s portrayal of Bonnie’s parents adds another layer to this discussion. While they are eager to help their imaginative daughter form real-world connections, they remain hesitant about introducing her to screen time. This duality reflects the modern parent’s dilemma: embracing the benefits of technology while fearing its overuse.

Boasting a heartfelt narrative, the movie captures the emotional complexity of navigating a child’s relationship with technology. The conflict between Lilypad and the other toys mirrors the struggle parents face in managing their own screen habits. During a highly anticipated sleepover, Bonnie’s interactions with her friends and the challenges they encounter—such as cyberbullying—highlight the dual nature of digital life. These scenarios serve as a reminder that screens can be both a tool for connection and a source of tension, depending on how they are used.

One of the film’s most striking moments occurs when a gaggle of toys races through the house, unnoticed by the family. The scene is minor but powerful, illustrating how device use can become an invisible force in daily life. Parents, often engrossed in their own screens, may miss the subtle shifts in their children’s behavior. This mirrors the real-world reality where children model their parents’ habits, absorbing the rhythm of constant connectivity without fully understanding its implications.

“We may be on a device answering emails or doing work, working on proposals or projects, but our children are seeing us on the screen and not really understanding that,” Hunt said.

The film encourages a more active approach to managing screen time, rather than simply restricting it. Bonnie’s parents, though initially wary, find themselves drawn into the digital world as their daughter adapts to it. This shared experience reflects the broader truth that screen time is a family issue. A child’s engagement with technology is not isolated; it’s influenced by the habits of the entire household. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry reported in 2025 that children aged 8 to 18 in the U.S. spend an average of 7.5 hours a day on screens. This statistic underscores the need for parents to model healthy usage, setting an example for their children to follow.

Simple, age-appropriate conversations about device use can help children differentiate between necessary engagement and recreational screen time. Discussing these habits with kids not only raises awareness of overuse symptoms, like eye strain or neck pain, but also fosters open dialogue. Such discussions can prepare children for real-world scenarios, such as determining appropriate device time when friends visit or understanding how to respond to online challenges. By involving children in these conversations, parents create a collaborative environment where screen time becomes a shared responsibility rather than an imposed limitation.

Ultimately, ‘Toy Story 5’ isn’t a condemnation of technology but a gentle nudge toward mindful usage. It reminds us that while screens offer valuable opportunities for learning and connection, they also demand attention to the balance we maintain. The film’s message is clear: technology isn’t the villain, but excess can create a rift between the virtual and the real. As our family prepares to navigate these dynamics, the movie serves as a mirror, reflecting the shared struggles and possibilities of modern parenthood. In a world where devices are everywhere, the question remains—will we notice when they start to define our lives? The answer, as the story unfolds, lies in how we choose to engage with them.