Is TV necessary? Does anyone out there NOT have a TV?

Question

I'm thinking of getting rid of my cable service and just go with bad reception network TV. Just to watch the news and maybe a few shows.
I feel that TV has become a major intrusion. I don't want to be inundated with all those images anymore that have nothing to do with my own life.
Anyone doesn't have a TV at all or maybe just network reception? And why? And do you feel that you're missing out on what's going on in the world and in popular culture? Is TV necessary?

Answer 1

I have a tv, but no cable. We don't even get just network reception here, and I don't have the slightest problem with it. If I need to know what's going on in the world, I can always look it up on cnn.com or something. I think NOT having a tv makes it a lot easier to go out and do things.

Answer 2

I have a tv but not cable. I used to want certain stations on cable but the more I thought about it, the more I felt the same way. T.V. wastes so much time. I have a few shows I like to watch but other then that it takes so much precious time away from our already short lives.

Tonight for instance I wanted to watch something on T.V. but instead I took my son out in the yard. I was having a crappy time at first but then I realized what a great time I was having with my son and if I had stayed inside all I would have been doing was sitting on the couch while my son learned to be just as lazy. Instead I was able to provide my son with a few hours of quality time and excersize.

Answer 3

I don't have a TV and have not for a very long time. I never miss it and am thankful that my mind is not being poisoned on a daily basis. Although I suppose the Internet is not much better, talk radio just doesn't cut it 100% of the time. Main stream media is politically driven anyway (propaganda garbage) but some things, like the weather you do need to know. I suggest lose the TV, watch your shows on their networks website or sites such as veoh.com and youtube.com. Watch your news on sites like reuters.com or drudgereport.com. The Internet is definitely all you need and personally I don't see how any one could have the time to do both.

Answer 4

Well, I just have network reception at home, because my dad doesn't want to purchase the cable service. but it works out ok. I have no problem without a cable service. Basically I do not watch TV that much since i have no time and my free time, if i have any, goes to internet surfing.

Answer 5

I love to have the cable turned off for the summer. It makes the kids find something creative to do...I have always believed that the tv affects them negatively, sucks their brain cells out, turns them into couch potatoes, and teaches them to disrespect me and be mean to each other (sit-coms often have stupid parents who are parented by the kids...need I say more??).

On the other hand, after 9/11, I had a desperate need for information, and reassurance, and I offered the cable company extra money to re-connect me ASAP.

There are a lot of bad things about TV, including it being a waste of time. When we sit in front of the tv, claiming it is "family time", we are all focused on the tv, and NOT on each other, and if someone speaks while the tv is on, we all shush them, and act like hearing the tv is MUCH more important than anything they have to say....

Thanks!! You've really made me think about it!!!

Answer 6

Well TV is bad for your brain. Because it gets locked in your brain and you will want to watch it every time.Same with computers.

I only have 1 TV because it is a bad habit and it also takes away from my grades. I just got rid of a TV And now i am the top of my class when i was in the middle.

Its very bad for you. I would say just go with whatever just dont watch it a lot. Have a daily limit

Answer 7

I haven't had TV or cable in ... at least 30 years. Don't miss it a bit, 'cept for some of the nature documentaries. I have a television and a DVD/Video player. Watch the vids I want (and some I goofed big time one but ...). Don't miss the garbage at all. I get a lot more done, too.

Answer 8

I have a tv but it doesn't have good reception so I don't watch it. Actually I think people on the internet are experiencing more authentic popular culture than tv watchers.
Remember--"watching tv requires no skills and improves no skills." At least on the internet you're actively thinking.

Answer 9

I don't have a TV. And I haven't for about 4 years. Sometimes I miss it. But most of time I don't. I am very big into music. And when I am bored, I find something around the house to fix or clean. But when I go to someones house that does have TV, I find myslef falling in to trans watching it. Like there is nothing around kinda dazz. But other then that, No I don't miss it about.

Answer 10

Well, it's certainly not a necessity. I have a friend who's never owned a tv set before. She doesn't feel like she's missing out on a lot.

However, I have another friend who's tv has been taken for servicing and she's really miserable without it.

It really depends on you and your viewpoint. If you never watch cable and you're taking it away, good for you. You have more important things in your life.