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TELEVISION IS A GREAT device for creating
a little diversion when we want to give our minds a break. It’s
one of the few things we can do that doesn’t present any
challenge whatsoever. The problem is, the people who design the
programming and the commercials don’t want you to just take
a little break and get back to living. They want you to keep
watching. And over the years, they’ve developed hundreds
of effective techniques to keep us hooked, and they’re getting
better at it all the time.
Studies at the University of Chicago found
that when people are engaged in an activity like reading, talking,
or pursuing a hobby, they become happier. Research also shows
that the longer a person sits in front of a TV, the more irritable
and dissatisfied they become. TV is entertaining, but it presents
no challenge. Our minds and bodies start going stir crazy without
a challenge. That’s bad enough, but on top of that, commercials
are specifically designed to make you feel dissatisfied (so you
will buy their product to satisfy your “need”).
You’ve got better things to do. If
you want to gain more freedom from your television, try one of
these ideas:
For one month, only watch videos —
no TV with its seductive and addictive programming.
Cancel your cable: You’ll save money
and you’ll have fewer stations to entice you.
Unplug the TV for a week.
Everyone in your household may thrash about
like an addict in withdrawal, but hold firm and you’ll see
something remarkable: more human interaction, more walks together
at sunset, more pursuits of hobbies, more reading. These are
all things that aren’t as easy as TV, but are more satisfying
and rejuvenating.
Wean yourself away from your TV. Make it
merely a peripheral activity — something you do once in
awhile. Try one of the ideas above to protect yourself from the
carefully-designed-to-be-addictive programming. You’ll be
glad you did.
Watch TV only once in awhile. |
