Professor Robinson in sociology at the University of Maryland found that happy people spend more time reading newspapers but watching television less time.
New York Times reports the research:
"TV was the one activity that showed a negative relationship. Unhappy people did it more, and happy people did it less"
Can you find a clear causal relationship between TV viewing and happiness?
In the long run, this could potentially lead to a lack of happiness for all Americans because of the economy and how many employers are laying off their workers. No available jobs means more time at home in front of the television, thus, a plentiful supply of unhappiness. In my experience, people who watch a lot of T.V. are oftentimes difficult to motivate, and you have to be motivated to make something of yourself in this world.
ReplyDeleteHi, Zach. Good point.
ReplyDeletePerhaps, self-motivation can play a mediating role on the influence of TV viewing on happiness, which also indicates television's impact can vary by individual difference.
I'll go kinda along the lines of Zachary. I think there could be a connection between the fact that busy people simply don't have time to watch TV. I believe that if you're active and fill your time with constructive pursuits than time wasting habits like watching TV falls to the wayside. I also find that people who are make themselves busy and productive have a more fulfilling and satisfying life, thus are happier. I know this kinda ignores the newspaper readers but it's a lot easier to read a newspaper on the subway on your way to work than it is to watch TV. But I have to add in a little note that I'm all for the occasional mind numbing TV splurge, you just have to keep it in moderation.
ReplyDeleteEverything on television seems to be based on the worst of things. Every drama demonstrates the worst in things. This is the kinda of thing that attracts viewers. At the same time, like mentioned before people begin to live throught the television, wondering what will happen next. I think it has come to the point that people live to see the next episode of their sitcom rather than develop something of significance in their own lives.
ReplyDeleteI think that watching a large amount of TV makes us lazy and unhappy with our physical appearance. When you watch TV you see a lot of in shape and "good looking" people and that gives a false image of what we should look like to be wanted or loved and so we get more depressed and sit on the couch more eating potato chips and drinking soda instead of getting up and going outside and participating in life really.
ReplyDeleteOne can draw many correlations between television and unhappiness or depression or probably anything they can dream up but finding causal relationships is a much more difficult thing.
ReplyDeletePeople who watch television do not have any other activities, hobbies or other elements in their life. These elements, i believe, create happiness. Elements such as gym memmerships, bike riding, clubs, church activities, social outing with friends and family. These life fulfilling activites make people happy. Exercise and laughter release endorphens. If a person just sits infront of the TV, they will miss out exercise and laughter. I believe this will ultimately cause unhappiness.
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