What Toy Story 5 Is Telling Us About Technology, and Why It Matters More Than Ever

Since modern technology began rapidly evolving in the mid 2000’s, it has become a permanent part of our everyday lives. What was once optional is now an expected part of our everyday lives, no matter how old you are. Screens are no longer confined to the comforts of the living room. They exist in pockets, backpacks, and back seats, always available and always ready.

Before children sat in front of an iPad all day watching the newest MrBeast video, they sat in front of the TV. Even that was different. It wasn’t endless, it wasn’t portable, and it wasn’t always on. Maybe they were watching Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, National Geographic, Barney and Friends, or Curious George. When the show ended, that was it. Kids went outside, played with toys, and invented their own stories. Technology didn’t replace childhood. It filled the gaps between them. Today, those gaps barely exist.

Toy Story 5 Reflects a Reality We’re Already Living In

Now, children everywhere rely on their devices to get them through the day. Car rides, waiting rooms, and quiet time at home are now filled with screens instead of imagination. Devices have become the default solution, and with that change has come a decrease in personal interactions with fewer opportunities for kids to create their own fun.

This is exactly what the premise of Toy Story 5 explores. Bonnie is gifted a new Lillypad tablet, and for the first time, her toys aren’t competing with another toy for attention. They’re competing with something designed to hold her attention forever. Instant games, instant videos, and instant entertainment make it easier for her to choose the screen. She isn’t abandoning her toys on purpose. She’s simply drawn to something easier. Woody and the rest of the toys aren’t just being replaced. They’re being forgotten. The rest of the story will unfold on June 19th when Toy Story 5 comes to theaters, but the message is already clear. This isn’t a fictional problem. It’s a real one.

Technology Isn’t the Enemy

Technology itself isn’t bad. In fact, it can be one of the most powerful tools a child has access to. Kids can learn faster, explore deeper, and create things that weren’t possible before. They can build worlds, learn skills, and connect with others in ways that encourage growth and creativity.

The problem begins when technology replaces face-to-face communication instead of supporting it. When devices become babysitters instead of tools, kids lose opportunities to develop social skills, creativity, and confidence. They lose the moments that shape how they communicate, solve problems, and interact with the world around them. Parents relying entirely on technology to teach and nurture their kids was never the intention. Technology was meant to help, not replace. Kids still need to play, imagine, and interact with real people in meaningful ways.

Not Every Digital Space Is Built With Kids in Mind

Many popular games today offer incredible creative opportunities, but they also come with risks when left unmoderated. Not every digital space is designed with the same safety, structure, or family involvement in mind, and that can lead to experiences parents never intended.

Platforms like Roblox enable anyone to create and publish their own experiences. While that freedom can lead to amazing creativity, it can also expose kids to environments parents know nothing about. Unknown players, unmoderated interactions, and unpredictable experiences can exist alongside the good ones. This doesn’t mean kids should stop playing games entirely. It means parents should be intentional about which digital spaces their kids spend time in. The goal isn’t removing technology, it's choosing better ways to use it.

Technology Should Support Childhood, Not Replace It

Toy Story 5 isn’t just about toys. It’s about attention, connection, and what happens when something designed to entertain replaces something designed to inspire imagination. Technology will always be part of childhood moving forward, and that isn’t going to change. What matters most is how it’s used and whether it brings families closer or pushes them further apart.

When families use technology together, it becomes something positive and memorable. It strengthens relationships instead of weakening them and encourages creativity instead of replacing it. Kids may forget the videos they watched, but they won’t forget the worlds they built together. If you’re ready to turn technology into something creative, safe, and meaningful for your family, you can get started today with a RackGenius Minecraft server and build a world of your own.

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