Disconnected

For decades, the rise of TV and our viewing habits have been the subject of many studies. Some were of course conducted by advertisers and broadcasters, but there has been a great deal of interest from psychologists who have been concerned at the impact of TV on our lives. Technological advances gave us more and more leisure time, but as TV gained popularity, we spent more time in front of it. Of course in moderation, TV retains the potential to enlighten us and enrich our lives, but we often watch bland programming for hours at a time, which erodes the time we have to spend on fulfilling hobbies and interests or with friends and family. We are so accepting of TV that in many cases our capacity for critical thought is diminished. TV as a distracting ‘easy option’ is probably also a factor.

We’ve lived through the supposed threat of 5th columnists in the form of communists and now, we are told, muslims / liberals / socialists (take your pick). What if the real 5th columnist is hiding in plain sight – in your living room?

Watch a few minutes of a movie classic to illustrate my point.
 
This summer, I spent two weeks without TV. Most of that time was spent without a phone of any kind or an internet connection. This probably sounds like a nightmare to some of you. To be honest, it did take a few days to get used to it, but I felt like I was really living. I took walks, met new people, and spent a lot more time outside. It is hard to deny that TV and our more modern gadgets isolate and distract us. They give us more excuses not to exercise. We risk becoming more divided, more easily manipulated and less physically involved with the world around us. By now, a whole generation has grown up with the internet.

Like TV, there are advantages. These new and evolving tools can make information more accessible, make communication easier or more affordable, and create new jobs and opportunities. However, we have to resist the glow of the screen and the allure of another 100 ‘friends’ you’ll never meet if we are to hold on to our humanity. Without strong communities, respect for our fellow Man and our health, we remain at the mercy of those who want our vote or our money.

Maybe next time you feel like checking your email, take a walk around the block instead (and leave the cell phone at home).