A friend showed me an article from the link above and I was intrigued. It attests to the fact that happy people, in general, do not watch as much television as their unhappy counterparts. Initially, i thought that this article, and the scientific study on which it was based, reaches such a logical conclusion that it is difficult to understand why one would go to the trouble of trying to prove it with a study.
However, there was no causation implicated in this article, only correlation. This was when I arrived at a "which came first?-chicken or egg" debate with myself on the topic. Do people decide to watch more television because they are unhappy?...or...Are people unhappy because they watch too much television?
Personally, i'm inclined to believe that people watch more television when they are already unhappy and that television is not the cause of someone's unhappiness. However, i could certainly see an argument being made the other way.
Watching boatloads of television because you are a sadsack:
I have to believe that one of the key causes of being unhappy is isolation/loneliness. At least that's my theory and i'm sticking with it. If you have several, or at least a few close friends, it's safe to assume that you will be engaged in more social activity (shopping, throwing the frisbee, or just chatting with each other) and less tube watching.
Side question: Is watching TV with friends a meaningful social experience or shared unhappiness?
In addition, being in a committed relationship with someone you love would likely lead to activities other than television viewing (going to the museum, to the park, taking a walk, or just enjoying each other's company over a long dinner/conversation, etc.). My point being that if you're involved in social activities with others, you're likely to spend less time sitting in front of your plasma. It's also likely to make you happier, as it stands to reason that sharing time with a friend or companion is a more fulfilling experience than a half hour of "Everybody Loves Raymond".
Boob Tube content is the reason you want to tie a noose around your neck:
Need to feel unhappy about the way you look....just check out the leading man or lady of your favorite show (unless that show is "Ugly Betty", you're probably not as traditionally pretty as him or her). Need to feel unhappy about love...why doesn't your boyfriend speak as sweetly to you as "The Bachelor" does to the 20-some women vying for his affections on a weekly basis. Need to feel unhappy about your life...any number of television shows have people living much more extraordinary or interesting lives than yours (Heroes, Dirty Sexy Money, Chuck, etc.).
Bottom line: There's enough bummer content on your cable lineup to make even the most chipper individual reach for a Prozac.
There can be little doubt that television gives people unrealistic perceptions of beauty, love, power, life, ..the list is endless. This is probably true of all or most media, but these perceptions are amplified when displayed on the medium of television, given that it is still the most popular form in our culture. Not only is it the most popular, but many children are watching television before they can read. Perhaps because we are so accustomed to it, its depiction of things (beauty, love, power, life) may seem, whether we consciously realize it or not, the most "real".
Don't forget that TV includes the players people have in their cars for long rides.... kids get your fill now.
ReplyDeleteFor your side question: Is watching tv with a friend a social experience?
I say yes it can be depending on the interaction of the people. Sitting next to someone and not speaking for several hours is not social. It is the equivalent of sitting next to a throw pillow.