I agree that television can be inspirational in some cases, and I can even relate. I’m an avid tennis player and will be closely watching the U.S. Open during the next two weeks. As is always the case when I watch professional tennis, I’m sure it will fuel my interest for the game. Likewise, watching the 2002 Winter Olympics inspired me to return to ski racing. Although it ended up costing me a dislocated shoulder, it was a great experience that I’ll always value.

Like you said in the comments, I definitely think that tv is okay in moderation.

During the summer, tv isn’t as good anyway, so I don’t watch it as much and if anything, when it’s on, it’s merely just there as “background noise/entertainment” while I’m doing other things around the house. So yes, I do have the tv on quite often, but I’m not always sitting down in front of it, you know? But during the fall, I do have my shows that I love, but I also have dvr, so I record everything, and watch when I find the time to.

For someone like me, though, I watch some tv shows because I find them inspiring. I don’t watch too many reality shows, but my favorite genre is sci-fi. So, when I find a really creative and interesting sci-fi show, I find it really inspiring to watch, and therefore it interests me a lot. Ex: my favorite show, hands down, is Fringe. I love the creator of the show, and other shows and movies he’s made in the past. I guess it’s also because I’m studying to work in that photography/film/art/ industry. So in some cases, tv can be like studying, and being inspired! Kind of like athletes who enjoy watching their sport on tv.

Thus, creating a happier, and more well balanced person! haha

After not watching TV for a while, it’s easy to forget how ridiculous some of the advertising is. It seems that almost every time I watch it, I’m shocked by something I see even though I know I should have expected it. As bad as it is, it at least it gives me some good ideas to write about.

I will turn on the TV to watch a few shows here & there—lighthearted fun stuff or HGTV or Food Network, etc—but I never just watch it; I’m usually doing 2-3 other things around the house. The worst part is hearing the commercials…the most horrendous one was the one promoting HFCS as “healthy” because it comes from corn! I couldn’t decide whether to laugh or faint from horror, knowing that there are people who will believe it! That’s as depressing as watching the “news” used to be.

Grampa Ken – Although I think there are better ways to spend time with family, I agree that television can be worthwhile if it promotes family time. However, as you said, that’s typically not the case. I love the quote you left! Fortunately, with the advancement of most cable networks, there’s a lot more interesting and educational programming available now.

Bud – Crazy indeed! Although I do enjoy watching television on occasion, I think it would be torture to watch that much of it.

For a while I used to watch T.V all day everyday, however when I moved to China the cable wasn’t all that good so it was easy to break the habit.

I found that when I didn’t watch T.V I would actually go outside and do something rather than just sit around. I also had the opportunity to buy cheap dvd’s in China so I would watch those without commercials which saved me a lot of time.

As you mentioned 35 hours is damn near a full time job! CRAZY!

There is a steep cost in watching television, in dollars and in the loss of valuable social and family communications.

“I wish there were a knob on the TV to turn up the intelligence. There’s a knob called “brightness”, but that doesn’t work.” – Author Unknown
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Stephen – I’m glad you enjoyed it!

Antonio – Yes, this is a problem that far too many people don’t recognize. Thank you for helping to spread awareness!

Sharona – Recording your favorite programs is a great way to avoid being influenced by commercials, and it’s also a great way to save a bit of time. I’ve never seen The Doctors, but it sounds pretty bad. I’ll have to check it out for a potential article topic.

ægil – I totally agree, we’re the ones who are responsible. We can’t blame our poor decisions on external sources of information that we allow to have an influence. Even books can be misleading in a negative way, and it’s necessary to be critical and objective with whatever we read, hear, or watch.