How to Watch TV Well

There’s been a lot of talk about why TV is bad for you. And sure, we all know that watching too much television is a Bad Thing. But, is it really all that bad? When we look at it from another angle, we can all agree that TV itself is not a problem, it is our addiction to TV programming that is an issue. However, like all issues, there are alternative approaches that can make the ‘stupid box’ of your home an asset in time well spent.

How to Watch TV

• Have some friends over! Computer monitors, while getting progressively bigger, will never overshadow huge TV screens, as that would impede their primary purpose (which would be work and video games most of the time). Get a good movie and watch it with the family.
• Watch quality programming. There are a lot of good programs out there. These need not always be science shows – some comedy sitcoms are a piece of art. Today it is easy to catch reviews of different shows. Use it.
• Stay in touch with the world. Internet is nice to get informed, but no one provides the perfect mix of different sorts of information like TV does.

How Not to Watch TV

• Don’t over do it. It’s simple as that. TV is great for reasons listed above (group activity, keeping informed, quality programming), but it isn’t a smart idea to watch too much of it.
• Making TV your primary leisure activity. While TV definitely has its good sides, it isn’t a good choice for primary leisure activity. It tends to be on the passive side, and too many shows can simply bog you down. Portion your daily TV allowance.
• Bad show selection. Make sure your time allows you watch certain shows. It all to easy to get hooked on a popular sitcom, only to realize you can’t spend those extra three hours a week in order not to miss out on an episode.

Back to the Main Page