What Everybody Ought to Know About Watching TV

(Many of the things on this list can also apply to the Internet.)

I do not watch much television. We have a 16 month old baby, Brady. He likes Thomas the Train.

Oh well.

Now on to the list:

• Produces a hypnotic effect, bypassing the brain's normal filtering mechanism

• Reduces interest in reading and learning

• There has been a consistent decline in the average reading skills of our youth since TV began to be influential in the 1950s

• Weakens brain power

• Encourages poor lifestyle habits

• Advertising on children's programs promotes a variety of sugar-laden, high-fat foods. These foods have been proven to retard learning skills

• Encourages obesity

• No physical activity, lowered metabolism, combined with high-fat snacks. Childhood obesity now affects one out of four children

• Increases daydreaming

• Weakens creativity

• May reduce our powers of judgment

• You can become desensitized to what was once shocking to you. What was once shocking to you is now a normal part of life

• Influences viewers to regard violence lightly

• Makes children more irritable - Studies show that children who watch television are prone to have bad attitudes

• Encourages aggressive behavior, lying and disrespect

• Presents a distorted perspective on sex - The more television watched, the lower the age for their first sexual encounter

• Can easily become addictive

• Takes time away from achieving goals

• Takes time away from building family relationships

• Clutters our minds with negative messages and makes it more difficult to focus our thoughts on God and His word

Many times television watching is a symptom of low energy, depression, of needing a break, or of escaping life's challenges. 

Turning the television off helps us address our underlying true needs and reach our goals.

You can avoid the negative effects of TV by finding other more relaxing activities.

Try reading a good inspiring book, taking a stroll, taking a nap, working on a hobby, etc. Fill your time with things that will get you to your goals.

Do we watch TV? 

Yes. 

We simply limit it. 

Anything you do to an extreme is usually not good for you. It's a matter of balance.