October 6, 2007
How Television Affects Your Behavior [Video]
Interesting video on the affects of watching television. I found the explanation of how the ‘fight or flight’ reaction works while watching TV and how that affects our actions, especially in children and how it appears to be linked to hyperactivity. In my experiences with my daughter, she normally acts different after watching television. Either very excited, spacey, not interested in doing much (other than watching more TV) and frustrated when I ask her to turn it off. Very different than her curious, happy, inquisitive self that is always interested in doing projects, crafts, workbooks, homework (yes homework!).
Overall, there is little benefit to watching television. The medium, as the video points out, is specifically designed to sell you something, whether it’s a point of view, idea, activity, a product, or a service. You are both consciously and unconsciously bombarded with messages that are not in your best interest. Have you noticed that when you sit down to watch TV, it’s often hard to turn off, even if you only plan to watch one program? Anywhere I go I see this happen with people of all ages. Commercials, previews, specials or other topics seem to draw you in. Oh I forgot, that’s why it’s called ‘television programming’!
