Never Had A TV - Better Without It
- I am currently a college student who has not had a TV his whole life. I am 20 years old and don't think it's appropriate; it's a waste of my time. Granted, I will watch a few episodes of a show online, maybe twice a month. My point is, if you turn off the TV, you will realizes that all of a sudden there is time for homework, time for a love life, time for a job. All a TV does is suck up all your time and throw it out the window. I'm fully aware that some may think I should mind my own business. But all I'm saying is try to go a week without TV. The first couple of days will be very tough, but once you fill your life with more exciting things (i.e. going to the gym, taking a walk, getting together with friends, taking a night class) you will realize you'd much rather be without a TV because you will feel like you have actually accomplished something in your life. Yes harsh words, but if you disagree with me, its only because you haven't tried it.
- —Guest Rusty
Good Idea - Gets You Thinking...
- Although I do believe there are some valuable programs on TV, too often we forget to use books as a primary resource. Personally, I like the reminder to consider how much time we are watching TV or wasting on the Internet. It's up to us to decide what we want to do about it; nothing is forced upon us. If we feel that it would be devastating to give up, it makes me question our priorities and how much we've invested into brainless media (in many cases). In my opinion, there are too many violent and inappropriate programs and commercials, so I choose to limit what my children are viewing. I think the message of this week is to evaluate your use of media and make wise decisions for yourself and your family.
- —Guest IMHO
TV's?
- My wife watches the TV; I do not. And recently I got her hooked on blogging ... go woman go! I see the computer as a two-way street that is intellectually engaging but I haven't turned the television on in roughly 5 years. What for?
- —Guest Bill in Detroit
It is working here
- My husband and I got tired of the cost of TV and yet nothing worth watching so we got rid of the service and got library cards instead. Our grandkids love coming here and the 5 year old told us that there were so many things to do and see that they didn't want to watch TV. If we watch anything, it is a free movie and we all do it together. It is really wonderful to get back into reading again. My husband and I are also enjoying reading to the kids, and it makes wonderful memories for all of us.
- —detztadee
MYOB
- I am an advocate of individuals' rights. While I strenuously disagree with the overuse of electronics in today's age, until they find out how to prove that somebody else letting their intelligence plummet is hurting me, I say leave them alone.
- —Guest GhostDog597
Everything in moderation...
- People have such a hard time taking thing in moderation. It's a sad world when we need to have a turn off week in order to remember other parts of life, too. While I have no issues with electronics and very much love them myself, as does my family, we try very hard to get outside, do crafts, etc. Balance and moderation are the key with electronics, eating, etc. Stop being greedy!!!
- —Guest Fanyu
Yes
- I know it would be good for me. I have a bad habit of using my computer way more than is necessary (just because I enjoy it), at the expense of other, more important, things getting done. I've done this in the past and it always makes a huge difference in my productivity -- the longer I stay away from the computer, the longer my productivity boost lasts.
- —Guest Garrett W.
Yes
- why shouldn't you? It seems everyone now days is just watching TV. It really reminds me of the book Fahrenheit 451: a society shaped by ONLY fun and entertainment. I am 16 years old, and yes, I watch TV, but why watch obsessively? There are so many more things you can learn just taking a walk outside. Turn those TVs off for just a week, people.
- —Guest kelsey
It all depends
- It all depends on the individual. I have 3 children now all in their late teens. All good at school but one is an addict to games, one is addicted to watching soaps on the Internet, and the third uses the Internet whenever she can to talk to her friends. I often think should I have done things differently and not bought that first computer or Internet game, but I think it is not really about using these per se. Rather, it is whether my kids can (and now they do after a great deal of bargaining on my part) watch how much time they spend on these things as opposed to other stuff and can switch it off when they realize that enough is enough for one day. Teaching them self-control in this instance, I believe, is better than forbidding them to use the TV, mobile phone, Internet.... There is always the argument (which you will not win) as to how beneficial these are today. A little bit of persuasion and acceptance by everyone can help you make the right decision with your kids.
- —averillann
Computers aren't bad
- I have learned far more from the Internet than I ever did at school or from reading books and I'm only 20. The Internet's about communicating with other people, books are about sitting on your own. The Internet's about finding out what you want to know and discussing it with others; books are about a one way flow of information. Sitting in front of the computer might hurt your back, but what do you think is better for your mind?
- —Guest blahblah
Give it a try
- Here I sit responding to this good idea, but not responding by turning off my computer. Honestly, we're stuck! Society has made us think we can't exist without these electronic devices. If I could go back to a simpler time in life, I would jump at the chance. Occasionally, we like to go camping for a long weekend. We usually go to places that have electric hookups, but there is no TV, computer, iPod, or any other time-consuming electronic distraction in tote. We do bring a radio in case we need to hear of inclement weather. My kids usually have a blast swimming, hiking, building a campfire, chasing fireflies, etc. I say, if you can get everybody on the same page, give it try. What do you have to lose?
- —Guest happyhourmusings
No
- I spent every night reading to my son until he entered third grade. At that time, he said he could do it and read to himself. Still today he hates reading. He is more stimulated by video and computer, which requires reading skills and coordination. He is successful in his chosen profession, and he is a family man. I am proud of him. On the other hand, my daughter is a well-read person. She enjoys reading many types of media. I did not read to her. We spent most of our time together talking. She is a risk taker. Her chosen profession vouches for her. She is a loving mother and devoted partner. Both of my children are highly intelligent but came about that by different avenues. So trying to get every family to "turn off the media for success" is like padding the percentage in a research study - the answer is still false.
- —Guest MotherOfTwo
It is all about balance
- We are a country family, and there are many ways to be entertained other then electronic devices. I have and use a cell phone to keep up with elderly family and teenage family. We have a TV but it is watched only in the evening. I have a computer and use it for maybe 1 hour per day for farming/ranching info and keeping records with a little e-mail. You MUST set priorities and limits on all things in your life and not let something consume your every thought and action. Get out and play with your children, grow veggies, raise your own food and be dependent on that and you will find that the electronic devices are not the ruler of your life but that you are. Because we grow and can 90% of our food, kill 100% of our meat from the land and tend to over 400 units of different stock we do not see the ever consuming need for electronic devices. Cell phone, TV, and limited Internet are my only device connections.
- —Guest Texasmom_35
Turn on Week
- I think it is my business, but I also do not have children in my home. It is my husband and me, and we do a lot on our computers and Wii together as we do in watching TV. We enjoy these things together and do not ignore or have less quality time because of electronic devices or TV.
- —Guest Maggie
It's a great idea - worthwhile reminder
- To respond to the specific points: I do think it's a good idea as it gives people pause to consider their use of media and how they ensure that there is a good balance of activities. I also don't think it's about anybody butting into our lives or trying to tell us how to live, so no need to get defensive or annoyed with the organization. It's still a free country. If you don't agree with them, then don't turn off. And finally, I disagree with the idea that the computer is somehow a more enriching experience. modChristy tries to make that point, but she doesn't support her opinion. Computers *can* be helpful learning tools, but most of the time, most kids are playing games, IMing, Facebooking, and doing mostly aimless things that aren't challenging them. It's just occupying more of their time that could be done doing better things. Reading is one. Exercising another. Socializing face-to-face. Being productive. I limit my kids computer time using software. BALANCE!
- —Guest Mark
