Why do some people avoid TV?

Question

Since the question was asked "Why do people love to watch TV?" I thought it would be appropriate to ask why do some people avoid TV.

As "normal" as some people think it is to be glued to the TV set...there are a growing number of people chosing to not waste thier time! Believe it or not!

But why?

Answer 1

TV is also known as the "vast wasteland" where one can lose several hours and not really accomplish anything. One of my really close friends, who never watched any TV (save for movies) broke it down like this:

1) She hated the distraction of a commercial inbetween a perfectly engaging narrative.
2) The commercials weren't something she was interested in. Also, they got extremely repetitive for her. She said she'd rather see something new and interesting than waste time watching something she knew she wouldn't/couldn't buy
3) There was nothing "good" on tv and movies and reading were way better alternatives.

I have restricted my TV usage because:
1) I have several other things to distract me. These Yahoo! answers for instance. Also, videogames. Ahh videogames, so purely addictive.

2) Have DVD's to watch with tons of extra features.

3) Got reading and other things to do.

4) Most of TV right now is reality TV. One of the reasons my dad doesn't watch TV is cuz he thinks there's too much violence and sex on there. My mom doesn't watch too much TV because there aren't enough shows that appeal to her (in that she's not from an American culture). The TV she does watch is in another language and the soaps have really bad acting and are generally BORING and melodramatic and makes your blood boil stupid.

I've also known several people not watching TV because they think the news they get from the TV is biased. Its quite funny how some people think the media is liberal, while some quite clearly point to the conservative nature of news shows.

Mostly, I think people don't like what they think is a brain-washing, corporatized, lets make pretty people cool and amazing to sell overpriced products, make the public dumb, money grabbing, the more shock value the higher the rating cut-throat idea of the mass industry that is television.

TiVo helps, BUT it is still too new and complex for most old fogies to adopt.

Answer 2

Some people don't watch TV for two reasons. First I think they believe it is cool not to follow the masses and if everyone is watching it is for the common folks, they can say they beat to a different drummer. Secondly I think some people feel that it is comprised of negativism the news is an ongoing battle to out do the next station with a more horrific story, more gruesome etc. others feel it takes time away from useful activities family time , reading or any other activity

Answer 3

Simply put, most TV programs are geared for the average 12 year old. mentality. With the exception of PBS, History Channel,
and the Discovery Channel.
When my three children were growing up, they were not allowed to watch T.V. during the day, nor on a school night. With the exception of a special program. On weekends if they didn't have any homework, they could watch T.V. However, they were usually busy with friends or involved in sports. Two of three are college graduates and have good jobs, the third has also done well also.

Answer 4

Most people are not smart and TV gives you information that you must verify, that is learning, and people don't want to get new ideas in their head. You can learn something new from every show on TV.

For younger people with short attention spans they think it's boring.

Answer 5

I don't watch TV a lot because I don't think there anything worth watching most of the time. I don't want to get stuck in front of the TV watching something I really don't care if I am watching or not.

Answer 6

because it's a time-suck. it eats away the precious minutes and seconds of your life...you get all caught up in what's going on with these imaginary characters and the drama in their lives and it's not even real!!!! Read a book, it's good for your vocabulary, and if it's a good one, just as entertaining. Spend time with your family & friends and make memories that will last you! It's about doing what's important and prioritizing. Wouldn't it be sad if you turn 75 and realize you spent 8-12 years of your life watching TV while your life passed you by?

Answer 7

There might be many reasons people avoid watching tv, but I don't watch tv so I can save time and save my eye sight, and in general I think one of the foolish things ever invented was television, because it causes many people to get glasses, waste their time, and learn bad ideas, words, manners, and etc. And television chiefly benefits people that want to make money off others or to spread propaganda.

Answer 8

I avoid watching TV because it just bores me. I'm an interactive person and would rather be doing something then mindlessly watching something. Thats just my opinion.

Answer 9

Because it's trash. I'm sick of the increasing amount of vulgar language and sex. They even show teens having sex on prime time! (Smallville, Veronica Mars). And now you have part of the screen blocked with commercials even during the show. Forget the TV. Read books and rent DVD's that are better quality.

It's really too bad you can't just get cable for two or three channels like discovery or sci fi.

Answer 10

Some of my family members religion is against it. Don't know why, but I am glad i'm not like that! The funny thing is that whenever they come to my house, they watch the TV. I geuss that doesn't answer your question, but it kinda shows that everybody likes a good dose of good 'ol TV!!

Answer 11

Because there is nothing on TV worth watching its all a bunch of crappy Reality Tv shows. I live in reality so why do I need to watch it.