essay of addiction of television

• Bipolar Disorder
• Therapy Center
• When To See a Therapist
• Types of Therapy
• Best Online Therapy
• Best Couples Therapy
• Managing Stress
• Sleep and Dreaming
• Understanding Emotions
• Self-Improvement
• Healthy Relationships
• Student Resources
• Personality Types
• Guided Meditations
• Verywell Mind Insights
• 2024 Verywell Mind 25
• Mental Health in the Classroom
• Editorial Process
• Meet Our Review Board
• Crisis Support

The Symptoms and Risks of Television Addiction

Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital.

History of TV Addiction

Screen-overload, when tv and screentime is a problem, symptoms of television addiction, the research lag, risks of tv addiction, treatment for tv addiction.

Is television or screen addiction real? This is a complicated, hotly debated question. Officially, if you go by the disorders listed in the latest Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , fifth edition (DSM-5), the "bible" of recognized mental health conditions, the answer is no. However, countless researchers (and laypeople alike) view screentime overuse as a looming crisis.

While scientists and psychologists wrestle over exactly what qualifies as an addiction or disorder, the fallout of TV and screen overuse is plain for most of us (experts, doctors, parents, and teachers included) to see. So, even though TV addiction has not yet made the list, there is still plenty of reason to work toward a healthier relationship with your screens.

The idea of television addiction is nothing new and predates the explosion in media and screens of recent years. Worry over too much TV has been conceptualized and discussed since the 1970s, well before some of the behavioral addictions that have since overtaken it in terms of scientific research and widespread acceptance, such as internet addiction.   Although early research into TV addiction was limited, the concept of TV addiction was relatively well accepted by parents, educators, and journalists, as television watching became more common, particularly among children. 

Much of the research on screentime has been devoted to its impact on children but, as we all are aware, adults are also prone to overuse.  

Doctors, teachers, counselors, parents, and even kids are growingly concerned as the quantity of content, types of available media, proliferation of electronic devices, and time spent on screens all soar. According to data in Common Sense Media's 2019 "The Common Sense Census: Media Use by Tweens and Teens," the average teen spends 7 hours, 22 minutes on screens daily—not including for school or homework.

Time in front of screens is up significantly from the last survey in 2015, which is even more alarming when you consider that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends significantly less screentime than kids are getting.

In 2001, the AAP, citing concerns over possible links of excess screentime to aggressive behavior, poor body image, obesity, and decreased school performance, set a guideline of two hours of screentime maximum for children aged 2 and older and no screens for those under 2. In 2016, those guidelines were reduced to one hour for children aged 2 to 5, and more open-ended "consistent limits" were recommended for kids 6 and up, along with the advice to implement age-appropriate supervision and to teach children media-savvy skills.

Clearly, today's children are far surpassing the recommended limits. Smartphone ownership has also increased sharply with 69% of 12-year-olds now having a phone in their pockets, compared with just 41% in 2015. Today, nearly 90% of high schoolers and over 50% of 11-year-olds are smartphone owners as well.

As we all know, if you have a smartphone (or any other electronic device), you also have the potential for 24-hour access to television and other content via streaming. While overuse is all too common, the relative ability or inability to self-regulate viewing time and choosing screentime to the exclusion of other activities is a key indicator of a problem.  

Common Sense Media research found that tweens and teens spend the majority of their screentime binge-watching TV and videos, with YouTube and Netflix topping the most used content providers. After TV, the most frequent electronic activities among teens are gaming and social media.  

According to 2019 Common Sense Media data , teens spend 39% of their over 7 daily screentime hours watching TV and videos, 22% devoted to gaming, and 16% to social media. This adds up to over 5.5 hours total and nearly 3 hours a day watching content. Tweens, who average just under 5 hours of daily screen time, allot 53% of their media time to TV and videos, 31% to gaming, and 4% to social media.

When TV addiction was first studied in the 1970s, it was described as paralleling five of the seven DSM criteria used for diagnosing substance dependence.   People who were "addicted" to television spent large amounts of their time watching it; they watched TV longer or more often than they intended; they made repeated unsuccessful efforts to cut down their TV watching; they withdrew from or gave up important social, family, or occupational activities in order to watch television; and they reported "withdrawal"-like symptoms of subjective discomfort when deprived of TV.  

Studies conducted with self-identified "TV addicts" have shown that those who consider themselves addicted to television are more generally unhappy, anxious, and withdrawn than other people who watch television. These people use television watching to distract themselves from negative moods, worries and fears, and boredom.   They are also somewhat more likely to be solitary and hostile and to withdraw from or have difficulty maintaining social connections with others, although it is unclear whether there is a causal link between these personality characteristics and addiction .

More recently, research shows there is a growing popular trend toward binge-watching television in our culture, which may be exacerbating television addiction.   Characteristics that have been associated with self-identified TV addiction are binge-watching, susceptibility to boredom, and the use of TV to fill time. The TV (whether streaming on a device or watching on a traditional TV) is used as a way to avoid rather than seek out stimulation. In addition, people who become addicted to TV tend to have poor attention and self-control, feel guilty about wasting time, and are prone to daydreams involving fear of failure.  

One reason TV or screen addiction isn't considered a true addiction is a lack of sufficient research and the fact that many symptoms of overuse have been normalized. Most of us partake in some of these behaviors to some degree, from spending a weekend binge-watching our favorite show to winding down with a few hours on Facebook, YouTube, or game consoles.   Everywhere we look people are staring at screens and, if not, are holding them in their hands, pockets, or bags.

However, while the research data hasn't caught up quite yet to our rapidly changing media and screen landscape, it will soon. Many studies are now in the works that should shed light on the impact all this screentime is having and whether obsessive behaviors around TV watching, social media, gaming, and/or any other electronically-based activity should be classified as true addictions. Regardless, there is a vast agreement that chronic TV watching and screen overuse is a problem.

One pertinent study is the National Institute on Drug Abuse's ongoing, large scale Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD Study) project. The ABCD Study, which began in 2016, is following nearly 12,000 youth over 10 years to determine the effects of screentime on brain development, among other social and environmental factors.

The one electronic activity addiction that has gained official legitimacy is gaming addiction, which was listed as a potential disorder in need of further research in the DSM-5.

Alarmingly, rates of many mental health concerns, from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to suicide, are also on the rise—and some wonder if this may be, in part, related to skyrocketing screentime. In fact, a 2018 study in Pediatrics , found a link between screentime, quantity of sleep, and impulsivity-related disorders. These findings echo what many parents and experts see as a link between screens and the exacerbation of ADHD symptoms and other behavioral and mental health issues in children.

Research has also revealed disturbing evidence that excessive TV watching is associated with a shorter lifespan.  Those in the highest risk category watched an average of six hours of television a day and had a lifespan nearly five years shorter than people who did not watch TV. But does TV itself cause a shorter lifespan? Perhaps not. The study’s authors have stated that the results may be caused by other factors strongly associated with excessive TV watching such as overeating , lack of exercise, and depression.

Indeed, there are multiple addictive behaviors that lend themselves to hours of TV watching. Marijuana addiction and heroin addiction both tend to lead to hours of inactivity, often in front of screens. People with chronic pain who are reliant on painkillers are often limited in their mobility so they can’t get out and about. And while the focus of research into shopping addiction tends to be retail stores and online shopping, it may neglect one of the most compulsive scenarios for the shopaholic—the shopping channel.

Television may be addictive, along with other forms of media, such as video game addiction , internet addiction , cybersex , and smartphone addiction . Still, it seems likely that it co-exists with many other addictions that feed off the isolation that is felt by people with numerous other behavioral and substance addictions.

So, what can we do to offset the danger of too much TV and electronic device usage? Whether or not TV or screen overuse is technically an addiction, we can take steps to reduce its effects. Many parents have intuitively recognized the need to monitor and manage their kids' screen time, long before the rise of the internet—and getting back to the time before the internet can be key to shaking its allure.

Experts suggest the most effective methods for countering screen overuse are removing access to devices, logging use to build awareness and accountability, utilizing screentime apps that will track and limit access, and replacing electronic leisure time with old school activities, such as board games, exercise, and family (device-free) meals.   Parents can also model good screentime self-control by limiting their own use. Cognitive behavioral therapy may also help for those who feel they need more intensive help.

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database .

A Word From Verywell

While we await more concrete data on TV and screen overuse to emerge from ongoing research studies, what is certain is that screentime is on the rise and there is increasing concern over "addictive" screen behaviors in both children and adults. Many parents worry that their children are guinea pigs as the impacts of this untested influx of high tech gadgets, social media, and pervasive screens play out in real-time before research on possible detrimental effects can be fully vetted.

Luckily, screens don't have to take over and control our lives. While it is certainly a challenge, we have the tools to reduce screentime in our lives simply by limiting access, building awareness, and swapping virtual actives for ones done in the real world.

Diagnostic And Statistical Manual Of Mental Disorders . 5th ed. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association; 2013.

McIlwraith R. “I'm addicted to television”: The personality, imagination, and TV watching patterns of self‐identified TV addicts .  J Broadcast Electron Media . 1998;42(3):371-386. doi:10.1080/08838159809364456

Sussman S, Moran MB. Hidden addiction: Television .  J Behav Addict . 2013;2(3):125–132. doi:10.1556/jba.2.2013.008

Media Use by Tweens and Teens 2019: Infographic . Common Sense Media.

American Academy of Pediatrics: Children, adolescents, and television . Pediatrics . 2001;107(2):423-6. doi:10.1542/peds.107.2.423

American Academy of Pediatrics. Digital Guidelines: Promoting Healthy Technology Use for Children .

Alavi SS, Ferdosi M, Jannatifard F, Eslami M, Alaghemandan H, Setare M. Behavioral addiction versus substance addiction: Correspondence of psychiatric and psychological views .  Int J Prev Med . 2012;3(4):290–294.

Grant JE, Potenza MN, Weinstein A, Gorelick DA. Introduction to behavioral addictions . Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse . 2010;36(5):233–241. doi:10.3109/00952990.2010.491884

Flayelle M, Maurage P, Billieux J. Toward a qualitative understanding of binge-watching behaviors: A focus group approach .  J Behav Addict . 2017;6(4):457–471. doi:10.1556/2006.6.2017.060

Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD Study) . National Institute on Drug Abuse.

National Institute of Mental Health. Suicide .

Guerrero MD, Barnes JD, Walsh JJ, Chaput JP, Tremblay MS, Goldfield GS. 24-Hour movement behaviors and impulsivity . Pediatrics . 2019;144(3). doi:10.1542/peds.2019-0187

Veerman J, Healy G, Cobiac L, et al. Television viewing time and reduced life expectancy: A life table analysis .  Br J Sports Med . 2012;46(13):927-930. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2011-085662

Zhao H, Tian W, Xin T. The development and validation of the online shopping addiction scale .  Front Psychol . 2017;8:735. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00735

By Elizabeth Hartney, BSc, MSc, MA, PhD Elizabeth Hartney, BSc, MSc, MA, PhD is a psychologist, professor, and Director of the Centre for Health Leadership and Research at Royal Roads University, Canada. 

Improve your Grades

Essay on TV Addiction | TV Addiction Essay for Students and Children in English

February 14, 2024 by Prasanna

Essay on TV Addiction: TV, abbreviation for  television, is a telecommunication tool employed for transmitting moving pictures in 2D and 3D, along with audio. Television is a medium for advertising, news, sports and entertainment. The television was incited for the public for entertainment purposes and offered important news to people of all age groups. Some people contend that television does not always positively influence people because it can sometimes hinder communication between people. In this essay, we will talk about TV addiction; it causes, symptoms, outcomes, and preventive measures to overcome TV addiction in long and short essays.

You can also find more  Essay Writing  articles on events, persons, sports, technology and many more.

Short Essay on TV Addiction 150 Words in English

Short Essay on TV Addiction is usually given to classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

TV addiction is observed between people of all age groups. While television is an excellent source of relaxation and can be used to escape from our routine stress, getting addicted to it can be damaging. Television addiction is usually caused because of low social life and the incapability to manage emotions skillfully. It is also a consequence of boredom. While television stifles these issues momentarily, in the long run, it only exacerbates these problems. People addicted to TV start avoiding social events and family reunions just to watch their favourite dramas. They become emotionally clinging on television and undergo withdrawal symptoms when they don’t access it. They don’t like getting engaged in any other work and get bored easily.

TV addiction has various other adversarial consequences too. Some of these include irregular sleep patterns, depression, impaired vision, hemialgia, strained relations, lack of poor performance at work, diminished brain exercise, temper problems, social segregation and physical health problems. TV addiction is a serious matter. If you watch television for ampere-hours a day and cannot stay without watching the television, then you might be addicted. One needs to immediately discuss the problem and get relieved from it before it takes a toll on your life. There are several approaches to defeat this addiction. One just needs to stay resolute and battle their way through.

Long Essay on TV Addiction 500 Words in English

Long Essay on TV Addiction is usually given to classes 7, 8, 9, and 10.

Introduction

The term addiction doesn’t mean only the dependence of substances such as cocaine or heroin. A person who cannot hold themselves from taking a particular drug or chemical has a substance dependence. Some addictions also include an incapability to cease participating in activities, such as gambling, eating, or working. In these situations, the person has a behavioural addiction.

Addiction to television has been conceptualised and debated since the 1970s. In the initial years, the obsession with TV was limited, but, nowadays, TV addiction is moderately well accepted by parents, educators, and journalists. TV watching has become more prevalent between children and adults, as they are also inclined to overuse.

Getting addicted to anything implies sealing down partially or entirely on other stuff in life. Addiction of all kinds, including TV addiction, is bad. It disturbs a person’s private as well as professional life and influences his health severely. Many people around the world are addicted to television, and this is ravaging their lives.

TV Addiction Agitates Personal Life

We need to employ quality time with our family members to build healthy dynamics with them. A family with a warm and healthy atmosphere fosters happy and healthy kids. People addicted to TV prefer watching television rather than talking to their family members. This disrupts normal family life.

As a person becomes addicted to TV, he also suffers the right equation with friends. He does not socialise much and eventually grows socially detached. This is a matter of great concern. Television addiction is one of the causes of people getting away from each other. People addicted to television may not understand this initially; however, they soon start to feel lonely. Most of them even fall into depression because of the television addiction.

It Hinders Professional Life

A person addicted to TV always aches to get back home and watch his favourite programs on the TV. Such people often juggle important meetings, get late in every task, and even take leaves from their workplace to watch TV, which can also hamper their career. All they worry about is to reach home quickly and relax in front of their TV set. People addicted to the TV are likely to function poorly at work because watching television for a prolonged time can reduce their capability to focus on the job at hand.

Many people around the globe are suffering from TV addiction. They are destroying their life in replacement of temporary entertainment. It is necessary to recognise the cause of this obsession and get rid of it to commence a healthier life.

Essay on TV Addiction 800 words in English

TV addiction is as critical as any other sort of obsession. It is effortless to get addicted to television but challenging to defeat it. With various new channels and compelling television shows being launched regularly, it is difficult to get past this habit. However, it is important to get cured, in time as its influence on a person’s life is arduous to deal with. Television addiction is usually caused because of typically non existent social life and the incapability to manage emotions skillfully. It is also a consequence of boredom. While television stifles these issues momentarily, in the long run, it only exacerbates these problems.

Methods to cure TV addiction

Start by restricting your TV viewing time. Make a schedule that involves different activities throughout the day to help you to keep you busy. Adhere to your plan to run your day orderly and limit your TV viewing hours. This can prove to be a notable move in getting rid of TV addiction. Spending time with your family is much more fun and satisfying than wasting time in front of the idiot box. When trying to get over your television obsession, it is always a great idea to seek help from family members. They will assuredly assist you in the situation. Every person in this world has a hobby. It may be painting, dancing, landscaping or playing a sport. We can also get engaged in doing household chores, reading books, and many other activities. This will reduce our urge to watch tv and get rid of this addiction. One may have the urge to watch TV while they sit at home for a long time. It is a great idea to get involved in outdoor activities, or visiting a friend, going for a walk which will help you stay away from the television for long hours.

TV Addiction in Children

In earlier days, people lived in a joint family. Children were blessed to have a lot of brothers and sisters, uncles, aunts and grandparents with whom they could play and spend time. But things have evolved over time. 1qaThe trend of a nuclear family is one of the chief causes of TV addiction among children. In a nuclear household, both the parents work to secure a better lifestyle for the family, which often isolates the kids. Therefore, the easiest thing for the children to turn to for a companion is the television.

Parents often switch on the television and make their children sit in front of it, so that they can move on with their work tranquilly. And before they realise, their kids are already addicted to the television. It is easy to get addicted to the TV but challenging to get over it. Kids who develop television addiction cannot focus on their education and perform badly in their exams. They also exhibit health problems and behavioural problems. Parents are required to assure that they restrict their child’s TV viewing time. This is essential for the mental as well as physical well being of the kids.

Impact of TV Addiction

TV addiction is apprehended to create behavioural problems. A person who is addicted to TV is expected to show signs of aggressiveness. This is because most television programs stream brutal content. It can blur the ability of a person to contemplate. The reasoning and behaviour of a television addict are primarily influenced by the type of shows they watch repeatedly. They are not capable of focusing on their work. They have this never-ending urge to revert to the television and watch their beloved shows. Additionally, this obsession also decreases the activity of the brain that results in bad performance at work.

TV addicts usually daydream and start living in a fancy world. They cut off connections from reality. They frequently complain of migraine. They often suffer from redness in the eyes, and their eyesight also declines over time. Television addicts usually seclude themselves from society. This results in depression over time. This obsession ends in irregular sleep patterns which causes apathy and hinders work. It can reduce physical activities and result in several health problems such as diabetes, obesity, heart problems, etc.

TV Addiction Essay Conclusion

The addiction of TV is correlated with obsessive behaviour of watching television shows for hours. TV addiction destroys the brain to a large extent. It hinders a person’s all-round growth and creates various other issues. The problem must be addressed immediately to lead a happy and fulfilling life.. It is straining personal relationships, lowering professionals’ performance level, and increasing negative thinking among the masses. Television addiction is the same as other forms of addiction such as – drug addiction, computer addiction, mobile addiction and other disorders. If one cannot subdue TV addiction, they should immediately meet a guide or therapist who can help them to handle the addiction.

• Picture Dictionary
• English Speech
• English Slogans
• English Letter Writing
• English Essay Writing
• English Textbook Answers
• Types of Certificates
• ICSE Solutions
• Selina ICSE Solutions
• ML Aggarwal Solutions
• HSSLive Plus One
• HSSLive Plus Two
• Kerala SSLC
• Distance Education

Home — Essay Samples — Life — Watching TV — A Report on Television Addiction According to Marie Winn’s

A Report on Television Addiction According to Marie Winn's

• Categories: Watching TV

About this sample

Words: 465 |

Published: Jul 17, 2018

Words: 465 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Cite this Essay

To export a reference to this article please select a referencing style below:

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Prof. Kifaru

Verified writer

• Expert in: Life

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

2 pages / 926 words

3 pages / 1285 words

2 pages / 702 words

1 pages / 430 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Watching TV

Chaudhary, N. (2014). The TV binge: a sickness. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention, 3(5), 57-62.Digital Democracy Survey. (n.d.). Retrieved from Nielsen. (2013). The Digital Consumer: Binge! Binge! [...]

Online streaming platforms have revolutionized the way people consume media and entertainment. With the advent of digital technology, these platforms have become a dominant force in the entertainment industry, offering a wide [...]

Blackmon, M. (2018, March 23). Here's What The Original Cast Of 'Queer Eye' Thinks Of The Netflix Reboot. Retrieved from http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2003-08-14/news/0308140127_1_queer-eye-fab-five-stereotypes

Auverset, L., Billings, A. C., & Conlin, L. (2016). Is Binge Watching a Public Health Concern? Examining the Association between Binge Watching Television and Mental Health in Young Adults. Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic [...]

Reality TV are shows on television of ordinary people being filmed doing ordinary and sometimes dangerous things. These shows are made for entertainment purposes. They are supposed to be unscripted but would that really keep the [...]

This is the stop of season 1 episode six of Serial which describes the story of Mrs. Lee getting manually strangled and left in Leakin park alone, putting a boy in prison who later turned into a man, lost his childhood, claimed [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

Essay on Television for Students and Children

500+ words essay on television.

Television is one of the most popular devices that are used for entertainment all over the world. It has become quite common nowadays and almost every household has one television set at their place. In the beginning, we see how it was referred to as the ‘idiot box.’ This was mostly so because back in those days, it was all about entertainment. It did not have that many informative channels as it does now.

Moreover, with this invention, the craze attracted many people to spend all their time watching TV. People started considering it harmful as it attracted the kids the most. In other words, kids spent most of their time watching television and not studying. However, as times passed, the channels of television changed. More and more channels were broadcasted with different specialties. Thus, it gave us knowledge too along with entertainment.

Benefits of Watching Television

The invention of television gave us various benefits. It was helpful in providing the common man with a cheap mode of entertainment. As they are very affordable, everyone can now own television and get access to entertainment.

In addition, it keeps us updated on the latest happenings of the world. It is now possible to get news from the other corner of the world. Similarly, television also offers educational programs that enhance our knowledge about science and wildlife and more.

Moreover, television also motivates individuals to develop skills. They also have various programs showing speeches of motivational speakers. This pushes people to do better. You can also say that television widens the exposure we get. It increases our knowledge about several sports, national events and more.

While television comes with a lot of benefits, it also has a negative side. Television is corrupting the mind of the youth and we will further discuss how.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

How Television is    Harming the Youth

Additionally, it also makes people addict. People get addicted to their TV’s and avoid social interaction. This impacts their social life as they spend their time in their rooms all alone. This addiction also makes them vulnerable and they take their programs too seriously.

The most dangerous of all is the fake information that circulates on news channels and more. Many media channels are now only promoting the propaganda of the governments and misinforming citizens. This makes causes a lot of division within the otherwise peaceful community of our country.

Thus, it is extremely important to keep the TV watching in check. Parents must limit the time of their children watching TV and encouraging them to indulge in outdoor games. As for the parents, we should not believe everything on the TV to be true. We must be the better judge of the situation and act wisely without any influence.

{ “@context”: “https://schema.org”, “@type”: “FAQPage”, “mainEntity”: [{ “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “How does television benefit people?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Television offers people a cheap source of entertainment. It saves them from boredom and helps them get information and knowledge about worldly affairs.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “What is the negative side of television?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”:”Television has a negative side to it because it harms people’s health when watched in excess. Moreover, it is the easiest platform to spread fake news and create misunderstandings between communities and destroy the peace and harmony of the country.”} }] }

Customize your course in 30 seconds

Which class are you in.

• Travelling Essay
• Picnic Essay
• Our Country Essay
• My Parents Essay
• Essay on Favourite Personality
• Essay on Memorable Day of My Life
• Essay on Knowledge is Power
• Essay on Gurpurab
• Essay on My Favourite Season
• Essay on Types of Sports

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Download the App

• About Project
• Testimonials

Business Management Ideas

Essay on TV Addiction: Addiction to Television

What is TV Addiction?

What are the signs of tv addiction, what are the causes of tv addiction, what are the effects of tv addiction, how to prevent tv addiction.

In this post, I will help you know what exactly TV addiction is, causes of TV addiction, signs, effects and preventive measure to overcome TV addiction.

Television is one of the powerful means of communication. Due to extensive availability of telephone, internet and satellite channels – it is very difficult to keep technology away from our lives. Television was started for public purpose to offer a relaxing time and useful information to people of all age groups. Some people argue that television does not always have a good effect on people because it obstructs communication between people. Television provides a rich topic to talk about and mingle with others.

Here I am not telling you to stop watching television altogether. Television is beneficial in limited doses. However, it is harmful when it interferes with day to day activities and ability to learn new things. Though television will provide a short-term escape from real life, it will keep you locked within it. Instead of using time and energy to deal with problems, many people waste time on television.

Everyone in this world love spending time watching TV, as it is relaxing and fun. If you think that you are loyalty to TV shows, it means television is interfering in your life to a great extent. Staying in relaxing mood is a necessary thing. However, if your favorite shows start to scoop other areas of life, it means you are addicted to television. Here are some of the signs if TV addiction that you should watch for –

1. You are highly excited to watch next episode

When your favorite show ends up at an excited moment and you can’t wait to watch the next episode, it means you are addicted to TV. There is nothing unusual to think about the characters you love. However, if you find that your thoughts are constantly juggling between the episodes — you are on the path of addiction. If you have ever faced such situation, you should fill up your time with things that are no way related to TV. Enjoy the characters, but don’t let it remain in your mind all the time.

2. Cancelled important plans to watch TV show

Have you ever felt immense pleasure in cancelling an important program to watch TV show? If yes, it’s a sign of TV addiction. It is always a good idea to stay relaxed at home without any worries. You should re-valuate your priorities to maintain a right balance between work and leisure activities. If you ever get into the thought of cancelling important meetings just to watch your favourite show, it means you are in deep trouble.

3. Use TV as a tool to cope up with problems

Many people use TV as a medium to deal with their problems such as – depression, loneliness, etc. It is easier to sit in couch and watch TV for hours, rather than dealing with the problem. Try to figure out what is bothering you, rather than drowning it with constant noise. Limit the TV time to an hour and notice what kind of emotions come up. You have to look for ways to manage your feelings by talking to a counsellor or therapist.

4. Lack of non-TV hobbies

We see a lot of people saying “watching TV is my hobby”. Well, this is not a hobby — but just time pass. Life is too short and one should not spend it on someone else’s reality. Remember that you have to come out of the couch to create your own life. This is possible only by staying away from TV. If you don’t have any hobby other than watching TV, it’s time to get into a new hobby.

5. Irregular sleep schedule

Is TV disturbing your sleep cycle? If yes, you should stay committed to watch TV for a certain period. Watching TV for long hours has a negative effect on your thinking and behavioral patterns. The electric activity in your brain increases and neutrons start to race, as you watch TV for long period at night. Don’t watch TV to go into sleep. Turn off the TV an hour before going to the bed and try to shut your eye in dark.

6. Starting and ending the day with TV

You can really be addicted to TV, if you are starting and ending the day with TV. If you turn to TV as soon as you wake up or do not fall asleep without watching TV, it is a sign that you are addicted. Try to get back the silence in to your life by starting and ending the day without TV. You can fall asleep by reading a book, instead of watching latest crime drama. You will surely feel calmer.

There is nothing wrong in watching TV. However, you need to make sure that it won’t control your life. Take a break from routine activities, if you find it difficult to avoid TV.

A lot of people who are addicted to TV have poor control over their will. They are the daydreamers who involve fear of failure. People who were addicted to TV spend more often they intended. They withdraw from family and professional activities to watch television. They are reported to have withdrawal symptoms when deprived of TV. TV is one of the powerful means of communication and is highly competing with today’s technology. Due to extensive availability of media, it is difficult to keep it away from our lives.

There are a number of causes of TV addiction. Some people get addicted to TV just because they are not interested in any other activity. Some other possible causes of TV addiction are – emotional condition, depression, anxiety etc. Individuals with poor emotional condition are likely to get addicted to TV because they want to forget all their worries. They don’t want to face the real world, and in this process they get addicted to TV. They start living in a virtual world that is in no way related to their real life. They seek happiness in escaping from the problems and prefer living in a different world.

It is not easy to diagnose TV addiction, as it is not unusual. If you see a person watching TV for some time, you will not feel that the person is addicted to it. It is a common behavior for people to sit in front of TV for hours, especially if they have free time. TV addicts have a vulnerable personality that makes them dependent.

TV addiction can lead to a number of behavioral problems such as depression, anger, short-temper etc. People who watch TV for long period are more likely to suffer from emotional illness. Individuals should watch TV for fun and entertainment. However, you should watch TV for a limited period; else it will have a negative impact on the brain. Experts believe that early childhood years are extremely important and watching TV for too much can lead to improper brain development. Individuals should be encouraged to learn non-TV related activities such as exploring the environment, playing, interacting with people etc.

Increased level of aggression

Watching too much television may also increase the aggressiveness in individuals. These days, we find a lot of violent programs in television and it is not difficult to adapt them. Some television programs make violence as their main theme and seeing too much of television can desensitize people. It is also believed that too much television can engage the person in risky behaviors. When the individuals are detached from the real world and live in a virtual world, they may be influenced to engage in behaviors they see on TV. They may also show interest in smoking, drinking and drugs – as their favorite actor/actress is promoting them.

Emotional dependency

People who watch TV for longer hours become emotionally dependent on it and represent extreme behaviors seen in TV shows. Television can relax the person to a great extent, if they watch for limited period. Many people in TV industry argue that watching TV is not an addiction and there is nothing wrong, if they watch for hours. The issue is with the most frequent viewers, as they develop a tolerance and shows withdrawal symptoms when they are deprived of it. Television is very effective technology that controls the brain’s activities and changes the behavioral patterns.

Reduces brain activity

TV addiction is measured by the level of sedation. If the individual lack selectivity in watching programs or feels loss of control while watching TV, it means they are addicted to TV. Many people realize that watching TV for long period does not bring satisfaction. Moreover, compulsive watchers are more irritated, sad and tense than those who watch television for limited time. TV addiction can no doubt lower brain activity; especially in that part of brain that processes complex information.

Television addiction can become a standard pattern. With the availability of hundreds of TV channels, serials and programs – people are engaged in television for hours. Watching excessive television can result in unhealthy eating patterns and lifestyle. The individual may neglect work, career and relationship. You can break the bad habit by reducing the amount of TV time and engaging in other activities. Cutting television gradually will help you to overcome computer addiction completely.

Limit television time

Individuals have the habit of watching TV as soon as they come home from office or school. Creating a goal to limit the TV time will help you prevent computer addiction. Make a schedule to watch TV for 1-2 hours a day and stick to the schedule. You might also set an alarm to turn off the TV. Cutting down the number of TV shows you watch is another best way to prevent TV addiction. There are many TV programs that we don’t enjoy, but still watch them because of addiction. You may not enjoy a few programs or even feel as waste of time. You can follow the synopsis of TV serial, if you just want to know the story.

Cut down TV subscriptions

There are many TV channels that we may not watch regularly. Sometimes, you feel like watching them just because you are bored. You can cut out some of the paid subscriptions. If you have multiple streaming services such as HBO, Netflix, Hulu etc, you should consider cutting at least two subscriptions. You will save a lot of money and time, rather than getting addicted to new shows. Make a commitment to watch only a few shows. Turn off the TV after the show to avoid getting up into a new program.

Television free day

Start spending a day completely without TV or related gadgets. Designate one day per week to do activities that you like such as – playing board games with family, going for outing, catching up household chores, spending quality time with partner etc. If you feel it is difficult to be without TV for an entire day, try with small sessions. Avoid watching the program that you dislike. Take frequent breaks and try to increase breaks over time.

Avoid multi-tasking

A lot of people watch television while doing other activities such as – ironing clothes, talking over phone, cooking, folding laundry etc. When you watch any TV program, make sure that you are mindful so that you don’t have to watch episodes on repeat. Avoid reading and sending mails during this time, as it will distract you from your work.

Do not turn on TV as soon as you come home

As said above, lot of people have the habit of watching TV as soon as they come back home. It is quite tempting to use TV as a way to relax after a long day at school or office. Use the first few moments to relax by doing activities such as – calling a friend, exercising, meditating, cooking a healthy meal or taking a walk. Taking this first step makes it easier for you to resist TV for the rest of the day.

Avoid watching TV while having dinner or lunch

Another best way to break TV addiction is to avoid it while having lunch or dinner. Do not associate TV with every activity you do. Whether it is eating food or cooking, enjoy the activity you do. You will have a healthy lifestyle by staying focused on what you eat and do. Get involved in the life of children, parents and other family members. You can even plan a family reunion and spend some time with your family. In addition to this, spend some time with friends. But, avoid going to a movie or watching TV show with your friends. Visit to beach or trips to skating rink will help you stay away from television.

Start a hobby

Start a hobby or take a class that you are interested in to use time in an effective way. You can stay occupied and productive by developing a new skill. There are many activities that you can engage in. some of the best hobbies to learn are – horse riding, painting, gardening, dancing etc. There is a whole world outside the home that you have not explored before. You can go on hiking, kayaking or canoeing for weekend with your friends — as these activities are good for physical and mental health.

C onclusion

Television addiction is associated with compulsive behavior of watching television programs for hours. Based on the most recent review on the model, television watching behavior can constitute a true addiction behavior. However, more research is needed on this topic to prove this. In most of the cases, it is extremely difficult to control the compulsion. Television addiction is similar to other forms of addiction such as – computer addiction, drug addiction, gambling and other compulsive disorder.

If you are not able to overcome TV addiction, you should consider approaching a counsellor or therapist who can help you treat TV addiction. Besides this, you can take a good look around your house to attend to household activities. Whether it is improving cooking, gardening or DIY skills – you will surely get benefitted from them.

Get FREE Work-at-Home Job Leads Delivered Weekly!

Join more than 50,000 subscribers receiving regular updates! Plus, get a FREE copy of How to Make Money Blogging!

Message from Sophia!

No related posts.

No comments yet.

Leave a reply click here to cancel reply..

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Billionaires

• Donald Trump
• Warren Buffett
• Email Address
• Free Stock Photos
• Keyword Research Tools
• URL Shortener Tools
• WordPress Theme

Book Summaries

• How To Win Friends
• Rich Dad Poor Dad
• The Code of the Extraordinary Mind
• The Luck Factor
• The Millionaire Fastlane
• The ONE Thing
• Think and Grow Rich
• 100 Million Dollar Business
• Business Ideas

Digital Marketing

• Mobile Addiction
• Social Media Addiction
• Computer Addiction
• Drug Addiction
• Internet Addiction
• TV Addiction
• Healthy Habits
• Morning Rituals
• Wake up Early
• Cholesterol
• Reducing Cholesterol
• Fat Loss Diet Plan
• Reducing Hair Fall
• Sleep Apnea
• Weight Loss

Internet Marketing

• Email Marketing

Law of Attraction

• Subconscious Mind
• Vision Board
• Visualization

Law of Vibration

• Professional Life

Motivational Speakers

• Bob Proctor
• Robert Kiyosaki
• Vivek Bindra
• Inner Peace

Productivity

• Not To-do List
• Project Management Software
• Negative Energies

Relationship

• Getting Back Your Ex

Self-help 21 and 14 Days Course

Self-improvement.

• Body Language
• Complainers
• Emotional Intelligence
• Personality

Social Media

• Project Management
• Anik Singal
• Baba Ramdev
• Dwayne Johnson
• Jackie Chan
• Leonardo DiCaprio
• Narendra Modi
• Nikola Tesla
• Sachin Tendulkar
• Sandeep Maheshwari
• Shaqir Hussyin

Website Development

Wisdom post, worlds most.

• Expensive Cars

Our Portals: Gulf Canada USA Italy Gulf UK

Privacy Overview