TV

We have all heard that too much TV and computer time will give you 'square eyes'. But how much of the saying is true? Is it really bad for us, or are we worrying over nothing? After all, just about every one enjoys a little TV time.


How Much is Too Much?

From a study I can't honestly remember the details of, it was found that more braincells are used sleeping than when watching TV. This is probably because when we dream, our brains are creating images, audio and sensations from our imaginations, and also from our everyday experiences, using this information to create something out of the ordinary. BUT... When we are watching TV, every base is covered except for sensation of touch/smell - the image is there, the audio is there and a storyline is provided, so what is there left to think about?

In my view, it depends on what you are watching. A documentary offers up valuable facts and figures - exercising our memory and ability to learn visually and through audio. A regular soap or TV programme, although quite possibly not as rich in facts, may also help us learn through the actions of others - in soaps the storylines often are shaped around personal relationships and how these mix into one another, interrupting or complimenting or... whatever. (I don't watch soaps as you can tell.) 

So, a regular soap may usually last 45mins - 1hr, and a Documentary can be anywhere from a few minutes (clips or short factual stories) to several hours. When is it too much? What is the optimal time that is 'safe' to spend infront of the screen? Let's go back in time to my childhood to consider...

My Dad used to allow us to watch a movie a day, as long as we got up after I think it was half an hour to do 100 jumping jacks. This might sound regimental, but it was really quite fun, and prevented me (short term) from becoming a 21st century couch potato. (I am now at the perilous edge of becoming a true couch potato.)


How much should you watch according to your age?

I don't think age makes much of a difference, although an old lady may be predisposed to watching her favourite shows at set times (maybe there is not much else she can do with limited mobility) and a toddler would most likely get bored after 5 minutes. Really, it's down to how much time you want to spend infront of the TV - virtual life, or real life?


Can TV Be Educational?

Yeah sure, in short - but again, it does depend on what you watch (no further explanations needed methinks).


Should TV Be Included In Family Time?

Yes and no.... It's a tricky one. If you are a TV dinner family and it is a tradition, this will be a familiar cycle your family have settled into. The danger with this is that conversation time is lost on TV time - eating away at relationships and even causing arguments (because so-and-so killed whoever, or anything like that in say, sitcoms). Real life is very rarely as exciting as the imaginary lives made up by scriptwriters, but they never will be unless you STOP WATCHING TV just long enough to experience life! (You don't have to take it from me, just go outside for a day and see what happens - I can guarantee you will feel a lot better than if your but had been planted on the couch instead). 

Of course, TV is a luxury and we all enjoy our luxuries, but this word needs to be heeded - Lux-u-ry! Not necessity. Basically, as long as your treat your TV time as actual TREAT time, it will all be fine ;)