I am seventeen years old and I have never lived with a functional television set. But six months ago, my family bought a gorgeous flat screen and installed it on the wall in our living room.
Most people, when they heard I did not have a TV, were shocked. Living without a magical box in the 21st century is a phenomenon equivalent to not owning a washing machine in the late 50s.
Having a TV these past few months has not changed how I live from day to day. I still come home, do my homework, and for the most part, ignore the screen in the next room. I’ve watched a few John Oliver pieces and a Friends episode or two, but besides that, it is like my family never bought one.
I do believe that growing up with a TV is poisonous for the child’s brain. The constant advertising being thrown at a fresh mind is damaging, and raises children to want everything they see. Studies show that some shows will cause Attention Deficit Disorder to develop in children who watch it.
I appreciate the bar from Disney Chanel and Cartoon Network that my parents placed when I was very young. I appreciate having been told “no” whenever I asked for something I saw on billboards and other advertisements.
A life without television is better for everyone. It leaves more time to do enjoyable activities and it prevents you from frying your brain when you are bored. So if you have a television, consider smashing it to pieces, and go out for a walk in the fresh air.
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