I am convinced that our culture, and our world, sets its primary focus on being entertained and having fun. One of the avenues that people use to satisfy this 'need' to be entertained is through TV and movies. Millions of people spend countless hours throughout their lifetime in devotion to this form of visual entertainment.
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So here, we are asking - Is it worth it?
What value is there in watching movies and
television programming?
Pros.
Education
It is often claimed that much useful knowledge can be gained from watching certain programs. Undoubtedly, I agree that there are media and TV programs that exist which can be beneficial to one's spiritual, physical, and overall health. For example, someone learning about leadership and management techniques from a documentary that traces the different virtues of great leaders in America could take some useful skills the film and incorporate them into his or her life.
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Much can be gained from particular programs that use visual imagery as an informative means of education. Such movies and television programming can take on many different forms and cover a large variety topics.
However, I submit to you that very little television programming that people watch proves to be truly beneficial in there lives.
What skills of significance can be gained from sitcoms, reality TV, cartoons/animated series, and many episodic programs? Especially when considering the large amount of time that is usually spent watching such shows - Is there really a worth-while benefit in the viewer's life afterward?
Social Food
A very commonly mentioned advantage to watching TV and movies is what I like to call the "Social Food" that the viewer gains. 'Social food' is the ability to talk with others and share commonalities through TV shows and movies. It is the casual conversation about that new movie that just came out, or the laid-back comment about that new stand-up routine on Comedy Central.
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This kind of social stimulant is used quite commonly in our everyday conversation. Think about the number of times someone quotes a line or joke from a movie in a given day. Now think of the even greater number of references to movies or TV shows that occur in your life on a daily basis.
In this way, regular viewing of particular episodes and movies makes you, as an individual, more socially suitable.
Relaxation
Another reason that many people give for habitual TV and Movie viewing is that it helps them relax.
While it may seem harmless to use visual entertainment as a means to blow off steam, I believe that we must be critical about how much time we devote to that relaxation. Probably every person reading this article uses movies or TV for leisure - some more than others - But I must lead you to the question: How practical is it to be spending hours on a daily basis "relaxing"?
Conclusion
What I mean to say is that, from a secular or spiritual perspective, there are much more worth-while activities that one can be doing instead of spending time watching TV.
I want to be clear I am not condemning the action of watching TV or movies. I don't believe such programming to be inherently evil and sinful. I do believe, however, that movies and TV are a means that are often used to "escape reality" and spawn unhealthy behavior. This type of media is not the exclusive cause of such behavior - But it can, and frequently is, easily abused.
Your Turn:
+ What are your thoughts?
+ Do you see TV and movies as a time-waster or a harmless form of relaxation? Why?
+ What are some advantages/pros to regular TV and movie viewing?
+ How should we manage the time we spend watching for pleasure?
Hey dude, I totally agree with you here! However, I personally am partial to the occasional TV show or movie. You might already be planning on touching on this in your next post, but I think the key issue in this discussion is the concept of "moderation." Some tv watching is acceptable and can even be good, but too much is straight up wasteful.
One thing I hate with a burning passion are commercials. Netflix all the way!
Definitely!
I wanted to emphasize moderation and awareness with: "
While it may seem harmless to use visual entertainment as a means to blow off steam, I believe that we must be critical about how much time we devote to that relaxation. "
Although, even then. How eternally significant is the time we spend watching programs and movies?
I must question, especially from a Christian perspective, is it really necessary?
What could we be doing with that time that would be more worth while...
We're definitely in agreement, these are just some thoughts/questions to ponder.
AJ
Moderation---even in moderation :)
@Clint, Yeah there are some times were moderation just won't fly!
@AJ, not necessary. I'm sure you could do something else. I lived without watching TV for basically several years. We still don't have regular programming, so we can choose what shows we really want to watch and maximize our time in that way.