Are you looking to get high?
Do you need an escape from the pressures of life or a quick fix? Would you like to experience a prolonged pleasurable passive state of being? How would you like the perfect combination of stimulation and sedation?
There is no need to put a needle in your arm or smoke, snort or drink. There is no need to break the law either. I’ve found the ultimate narcotic! It is cheap, effective and the supply is only limited by the amount of time you have to enjoy it.
Pleasurable effects of this drug:
1. Stimulating and sedative (simultaneously)
2. Reduces pain and tension
3. Provides a sense of control
4. Enhances a sense of relaxation and euphoria
5. Long lasting (the drug after-effects last for several hours)
6. Stress-free, quiet absorption
That sounds pretty good, right? However, I need to make you aware of the negative side-effects of this drug.
Negative side-effects of this drug:
1. Lower cognitive skills & IQ
2. Decreased attention span (possible ADD/ADHD connection)
3. Lower academic scores & lagging reading ability
4. Depression and Anxiety
5. Impeded imagination
6. Retardation social skills
7. Increased aggression & violent behavior (double of non-users).
8. Obesity & Sleep disturbances
Narcotic Effect:
I recently watched an interview with a Hollywood screenwriter who described the main objective of video media is to provide a ‘narcotic effect’ for the viewer. The point of which is to lull the viewer into a state of sedation and stimulation.
“(In 1993) Psychologists and epidemiologists at the University of Tennessee and Memphis State University monitored metabolic rates in eight- to twelve-year-old children under two conditions: lying down in a dark room, and sitting up watching television. In every case, the child’s metabolic rate while sitting and watching television was far lower than his metabolic rate while lying down in the dark. Watching television is worse than doing nothing.”(1).
There are literally thousands of studies conducted over the last 60 years that prove without a doubt that both television (video) content and the medium itself are extremely damaging and addictive. Most positive benefits of content are cancelled out by the medium of TV (video) itself. It is an addictive drug and has the same effects as chemical drugs.
“Television, while chemically non-invasive, nevertheless is every bit as addicting and physiologically damaging as any other drug.” (Rivers)
Maybe its time to have a real discussion around the dinner table in America about this problem. If the average American watches 5-6 hours of TV per day, what life experience he or she trading for that 5-6 hours? This is a cultural and relational issue we must tackle.
“In 1993, the most violent prime-time shows exhibited as many as 60 acts of violence per hour.(23) That year the average child living in the United States watched 10,000 murders, assaults, and other violent acts on television,(24) and by 1997 that number had climbed to 12,000(25) and was still rising.”(2)
Based on mountains of research, there is no question that watching TV (video) is an addictive and dangerous drug. The question is, what are WE going to do about it?
See footnotes and resources here… Do your own homework on this. You will be shocked and convicted. To be continued….
Well, this article reminded me of the good old days of watching 90210 and Melrose Place. And all the good shows of 2000-2008…when child # 2 came along and we pretty much stopped watching TV…except for an occasional Big Brother or other trashy reality show! Good read!
LOL! We watch very little TV. I’m very careful the kind of media that comes into our home or mobile devices. I must admit that I would be hard pressed to put our two TVs on the street corner. However, I’ve thought about it a few times. I think our nation needs a TV-Free week…. if we dare. What’s the worst that could happen? thanks for commenting.
Well, when we grew up there was Andy of Mayberry or just Mayberry, Ozzie and Harriet, the Little Rascals and of course the all-time favorite
The Three Stooges. Yes, I learned how to attack my brothers
Take your pick.
As we all played sports and were encouraged to get good grades, we had little time for TV and there were only three channels.
But hey, that was then and this is Now! And I guess we all like a lot of violence with our popcorn, imagined or real.
Tom. Good points. I was outside until dark when I was a kid. I had a couple shows I watched. But, they were the exception to playing and exploring.
Thanks for commenting.