I’ve always admired counterculture. I once did a magazine and published an ad for TV turnoff week. I never followed up. Until last week, when I threw out my television. Why?
1. The TV takes over your life. Ever found yourself switching between tv channels and not finding anything to watch, but still feeling lazy and stuck to your screen. Yes, the tv took over your life. The television becomes our teacher on National Geographic and our entertainer on the movie channel. In his book, the four hour workweek, Tim Ferriss discusses information overload and speaks of having filters to avoid this overload. The TV just as much drains you if you don’t filter it. And this leads us to my next point.
2. Television is online. Most programs are almost all available online, live or archived. You can watch them whenever and wherever you want. Why let the TV channels determine when you can watch something? (okay you’ll have to wait until they put it online). Also, with the availability of RSS you can filter most TV program websites with whatever subjects you’re interested in. This puts you in control instead of the dull TV set.
So, who still needs a TV?
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Jul 25th, 2007 at 7:10 am
Interesting! I have been thinking about turning off my tv for a while now.
Maybe I will. At least the television itself will be moved from the living room once I move to a larger apartment.
Jul 25th, 2007 at 10:38 pm
Thanks for the comment, Roel.
I always think it is funny to see those living rooms centered around the TV. As if our lives revolve around it.
Aug 7th, 2007 at 11:23 am
Hmm, a few years ago my TV broke down and i didn’t feel the urge to get another one. Insteed I developed an obsession for the internet. I’m not to sure right now which obsession is better hehe
When my girlfriend moved in about 2,5 years ago she insisted on having a TV. Under protest I bought one and I am still having trouble not watching.