There is a book called: Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business by
Neil Postman from 1985, where he talks about this specifically regarding what was then regarded as "TV".
But I believe "TV" is whatever invention we humans use to distract ourselves from dealing with the real world. It's no longer just the passive watching of televised programming like it was in 1985.
Ah I love that Svein-Gunnar. That book was actually a big influence of the piece.
While I agree social media has become the more powerful (and potentially dangerous) influence, I still wouldn’t ignore TV’s influence on the culture. While a phone can be buried in a desk drawer or apps to limit screen time, a TV sits in the living room, willing and ready to take 1-2 hours up every evening. I also already wrote a post condemning social media hahaha so wanted to move to TV also.
Thanks for reading and your insightful thoughts here (: appreciate you reading
I am fine with books and (many) video games, as long as they require active use of ones mental faculties. "TV" in this context is the passive form, which is specifically designed to keep you "comfortably busy" in exchange for turning introspection and other thought off.
I just moved into a new apartment, and my mum can't seem to wrap her head around the fact that I don't miss having a television. She often remarks, 'You're one of the few people without one,' as if I've evolved into some strange new human species.
I explained to her that for me, avoiding TV isn't about rejecting technology or entertainment; it's about using this time and mental space for creation. When I'm not passively absorbing content, my ideas can finally come out. So I would say that the absence of television isn't an emptiness; it's a deliberate choice to engage more actively with the world, to think, to read, to create. It's about choosing activity over passivity, which, as you've already pointed out, is exactly where television tends to nudge us.
I had such a big smile reading this Danique. That’s exactly what I want to do when I get my own apartment. And my parents don’t necessarily get it, but I’m okay with that.
And I love this: “I'm not passively absorbing content, my ideas can finally come out”
Thank you for reading and the insightful note here. Means a lot (:
Haha, awesome! Yesterday, I visited my parents, and they were watching "First Dates." Actually, it was quite entertaining to observe the awkwardness and genuine attempts at connection. It created some inspiration for my writing. I'm constantly seeking that sweet spot between consuming and creating.
Wow, you're in the Okanagan! I can almost hear you picking apples. If you come back through Vancouver on your way to wherever is next please let me know. We can not watch TV together.
Very remnant of the takeaways from Bowling Alone by Robert Putnam. If you’re not familiar, he studied the last quarter of the twentieth century and the reasons American civic and community engagement plummeted. There were many reasons, but the variable with the most weight and effect was television taking over how we spend our leisure time.
It’s a fantastic read, highly recommend; absolutely the type of book you can’t “unread” once you’ve read it.
Such a great read man. I think taking action on this can be hard because it's an act of rebellion and independence. So many friend groups and families default to flipping on a show or sports game, and it's challenging to be the voice that breaks the pattern. Can be scary to speak this truth. Amen to writing this and us living it.
Thank you Jeremy, brought a huge smile to my face to see your name. It’s definitely hard to break that pattern but I think the return to aliveness requires leaving the screens, as least their dominion over us.
For me, it just looks like not owning a TV when I move out. Forced to more nourishing leisure. One decisions that makes a million for you.
A pleasure to read as always. Something about Huxley’s dystopian vision is almost more disturbing than Orwell’s, but it is hard to say. Here is to some off the grid activities.
Thanks Jeff, appreciate you reading and the kind words. I found Huxley’s more haunting and also more true, although parts of Orwell have also come to fruition, with more control and authoritarianism in some areas.
Here’s to off grid activities indeed. Heals the soul.
Thank you Mateus, really appreciate you reading and the kind words. Loved this: “Life is so much colorful away from these distracting screens”. Couldn’t agree more.
I think you really hit the mark on the issue! But it's not just TV — it's really any form of passive media, and especially social media which is working in any angle possible to suck in our attention. The escapism has a powerful grasp on basically my whole generation, and it's scary to be part of a generation that spends so much time on social media and our phones but sees it as completely normal and fine.
Thanks Sonika! Really appreciate you reading and the kind words here.
I loved this: “it's scary to be part of a generation that spends so much time on social media and our phones but sees it as completely normal and fine”
It is scary indeed and I only realize how completely crazy it is when I step out of our place in history and look at how things were before.
I recently made a tiered list of activities that go from most health to most unhealthy. Writing is at the top. Reading is up there. Relationships, meditation, hiking, fitness are also very high. TV and youtube and video games are lower. And then there are the dark things that are just plain unhealthy for me-- often addictive.
Anyways the point is that it's ok for me to watch youtube, but I'd rather be reading. So I try to just do more reading than watching. Having gradients like that helps me acknowledge that some things aren't either plain good or bad, and I can do them a little without feeling super guilty. And then move on to higher things
Ah I love this Grant. The prioritization of different activities, knowing what matters to you most and how to spend most time. And not needing to be perfect all the time, which is impossible, just trying to be a bit better.
Thank you for reading & the insightful reflection here (:
Thanks. It also gives me the freedom to dip down in the priority list without feeling bad. It’s more like a buffet of activities, and once I see all the amazing entrees, I am less tempted to get full on dessert. Though I can still save some room… haha
Tossing the tv is not necessary. Cutting the cable tv cord is necessary to free yourself. The library has lots of free movies and shows, ots like the new Blockbuster
Tommy I watch gardening, people doing up houses and not much else, the lamessyream media’s is barred when I’m in the room. I follow Zeteo, Al jezeera & anything live. That’s it
Ha I love that Alison. Certainly TV has some great content and the best solution would be to use it with moderation. For me, at least, it’s hard not to watch it every evening when it’s just there. But I know my life gets a lot richer without a TV nearby.
Appreciate you reading and your thoughtful reflection here (: means a lot
Great point about sense of agency! I’ve felt the same way when I’ve been watching too much. That’s why I believe video games are much better in a way that the player is at least ACTIVE during the game.
Thank you for reading Piotr and the insightful note here. I think you're right, video games imbue a sense of creativity and creation, whereas television is seductive because it asks you to do nothing
I didn’t comment or read this until now. I’ve missed your Saturday writings but I know things are changing so I caught up with you today. I’ve been doing more of what you’ve been doing (I am smiling to myself). This self awareness and introspection and getting in touch with my authentic self never disappoints me, never comes up empty handed, is not an illusion like most everything else, and is one hundred percent more life affirming and grounding to listen to my inner voice and enjoying peace which comes with no fear, no anxiety - because I choose that route. Your summer and now being in the Okanogan (I love it there) feels like I haven’t missed you at all because no tv no social media and because Substack has even gotten more frenzied and infested with drama, fear mongering and ugliness despite my focus only on who I subscribe to, I’m even stepping away from Substack for long periods of time. Self care. Self knowledge. What is important to my soul and my authentic self. Listening to good music, being in nature, breathing and moving, loving honestly, prayer/meditation and reading older good books and taking care of myself - ourselves with good sleep, healthy food and hydration. Getting thru personal challenges a step at a time and being more present by not allowing all the distractions and chaos be part of my life. ❤️ I’m glad you are good, Tommy!! Sending my best to you and others that are here - and my appreciation for your work, whether you write about it or not, as always.
Ah I love this so much Kim. Reading brought a huge smile to my face—to hear you’re taking care of your soul, pursuing what is nourishing, embodied. Thank you for being here, even popping by and sharing your presence. It’s a blessing.
"The constant consumption of content that crushes us or our endless ability to endure it..." Has me by the throat! Whoah. Now we no longer own TV's in our home however what took its place was smart phones & tablets. I would argue that this became further isolating than when we had TV's however the concept is ultimately is so very true. & oof! The addiction piece. We were just talking about this in our little writing group but regarding social media and doom scrolling.
Thank you Sarah (: appreciate you reading and the thoughtful reflection here.
Smart phones and tablets seem to have become more pernicious, perhaps just with even lower friction to use, plus algorithms are now designed to be addictive.
There is a book called: Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business by
Neil Postman from 1985, where he talks about this specifically regarding what was then regarded as "TV".
But I believe "TV" is whatever invention we humans use to distract ourselves from dealing with the real world. It's no longer just the passive watching of televised programming like it was in 1985.
"TV" today is actually "social media".
Ah I love that Svein-Gunnar. That book was actually a big influence of the piece.
While I agree social media has become the more powerful (and potentially dangerous) influence, I still wouldn’t ignore TV’s influence on the culture. While a phone can be buried in a desk drawer or apps to limit screen time, a TV sits in the living room, willing and ready to take 1-2 hours up every evening. I also already wrote a post condemning social media hahaha so wanted to move to TV also.
Thanks for reading and your insightful thoughts here (: appreciate you reading
Yep. Social media, books, youtube, spotify, video games, etc.
I am fine with books and (many) video games, as long as they require active use of ones mental faculties. "TV" in this context is the passive form, which is specifically designed to keep you "comfortably busy" in exchange for turning introspection and other thought off.
I just moved into a new apartment, and my mum can't seem to wrap her head around the fact that I don't miss having a television. She often remarks, 'You're one of the few people without one,' as if I've evolved into some strange new human species.
I explained to her that for me, avoiding TV isn't about rejecting technology or entertainment; it's about using this time and mental space for creation. When I'm not passively absorbing content, my ideas can finally come out. So I would say that the absence of television isn't an emptiness; it's a deliberate choice to engage more actively with the world, to think, to read, to create. It's about choosing activity over passivity, which, as you've already pointed out, is exactly where television tends to nudge us.
I had such a big smile reading this Danique. That’s exactly what I want to do when I get my own apartment. And my parents don’t necessarily get it, but I’m okay with that.
And I love this: “I'm not passively absorbing content, my ideas can finally come out”
Thank you for reading and the insightful note here. Means a lot (:
Haha, awesome! Yesterday, I visited my parents, and they were watching "First Dates." Actually, it was quite entertaining to observe the awkwardness and genuine attempts at connection. It created some inspiration for my writing. I'm constantly seeking that sweet spot between consuming and creating.
Wow, you're in the Okanagan! I can almost hear you picking apples. If you come back through Vancouver on your way to wherever is next please let me know. We can not watch TV together.
Definitely Rick! I’ll let you know as soon as I sure up my plans. Would love to get together somehow.
…these “phones” and “applications” could do better as trash too…
Hahaha I agree CansaFis, much better
This was a wonderful read. Thanks for sharing.
Very remnant of the takeaways from Bowling Alone by Robert Putnam. If you’re not familiar, he studied the last quarter of the twentieth century and the reasons American civic and community engagement plummeted. There were many reasons, but the variable with the most weight and effect was television taking over how we spend our leisure time.
It’s a fantastic read, highly recommend; absolutely the type of book you can’t “unread” once you’ve read it.
Thank you Alana (: appreciate you reading and the thoughtful reflection
I’ve heard of Bowling Alone a bunch of times, and read excerpts, but not the whole thing yet.
I also love the idea of books that permanently shift your frame of view on your reality, that you can’t unread after reading.
Such a great read man. I think taking action on this can be hard because it's an act of rebellion and independence. So many friend groups and families default to flipping on a show or sports game, and it's challenging to be the voice that breaks the pattern. Can be scary to speak this truth. Amen to writing this and us living it.
Thank you Jeremy, brought a huge smile to my face to see your name. It’s definitely hard to break that pattern but I think the return to aliveness requires leaving the screens, as least their dominion over us.
For me, it just looks like not owning a TV when I move out. Forced to more nourishing leisure. One decisions that makes a million for you.
Appreciate you being here (:
“Lack of interesting things to work on is almost always a lack of imagination. All children know this.”
Essential perspective.
Thank you James (: I seem to have a bad habit of burying the best stuff in the footnotes. But you always seem to dig out the gems.
Appreciate your presence here
A pleasure to read as always. Something about Huxley’s dystopian vision is almost more disturbing than Orwell’s, but it is hard to say. Here is to some off the grid activities.
Thanks Jeff, appreciate you reading and the kind words. I found Huxley’s more haunting and also more true, although parts of Orwell have also come to fruition, with more control and authoritarianism in some areas.
Here’s to off grid activities indeed. Heals the soul.
This is amazing man, I’ve been going through the same process here. Life is so much colorful away from these distracting screens
Thank you Mateus, really appreciate you reading and the kind words. Loved this: “Life is so much colorful away from these distracting screens”. Couldn’t agree more.
I think you really hit the mark on the issue! But it's not just TV — it's really any form of passive media, and especially social media which is working in any angle possible to suck in our attention. The escapism has a powerful grasp on basically my whole generation, and it's scary to be part of a generation that spends so much time on social media and our phones but sees it as completely normal and fine.
Thanks Sonika! Really appreciate you reading and the kind words here.
I loved this: “it's scary to be part of a generation that spends so much time on social media and our phones but sees it as completely normal and fine”
It is scary indeed and I only realize how completely crazy it is when I step out of our place in history and look at how things were before.
I recently made a tiered list of activities that go from most health to most unhealthy. Writing is at the top. Reading is up there. Relationships, meditation, hiking, fitness are also very high. TV and youtube and video games are lower. And then there are the dark things that are just plain unhealthy for me-- often addictive.
Anyways the point is that it's ok for me to watch youtube, but I'd rather be reading. So I try to just do more reading than watching. Having gradients like that helps me acknowledge that some things aren't either plain good or bad, and I can do them a little without feeling super guilty. And then move on to higher things
Ah I love this Grant. The prioritization of different activities, knowing what matters to you most and how to spend most time. And not needing to be perfect all the time, which is impossible, just trying to be a bit better.
Thank you for reading & the insightful reflection here (:
Thanks. It also gives me the freedom to dip down in the priority list without feeling bad. It’s more like a buffet of activities, and once I see all the amazing entrees, I am less tempted to get full on dessert. Though I can still save some room… haha
Tossing the tv is not necessary. Cutting the cable tv cord is necessary to free yourself. The library has lots of free movies and shows, ots like the new Blockbuster
Haha I love it. Awesome distinction between cable and other forms of TV. I certainly see how cable can be the most passive form of consumption.
Thanks for reading and the thoughtful note here (:
Tommy I watch gardening, people doing up houses and not much else, the lamessyream media’s is barred when I’m in the room. I follow Zeteo, Al jezeera & anything live. That’s it
Ha I love that Alison. Certainly TV has some great content and the best solution would be to use it with moderation. For me, at least, it’s hard not to watch it every evening when it’s just there. But I know my life gets a lot richer without a TV nearby.
Appreciate you reading and your thoughtful reflection here (: means a lot
You are welcome Tommy, it’s great to chat 😉
Great point about sense of agency! I’ve felt the same way when I’ve been watching too much. That’s why I believe video games are much better in a way that the player is at least ACTIVE during the game.
Thank you for reading Piotr and the insightful note here. I think you're right, video games imbue a sense of creativity and creation, whereas television is seductive because it asks you to do nothing
I didn’t comment or read this until now. I’ve missed your Saturday writings but I know things are changing so I caught up with you today. I’ve been doing more of what you’ve been doing (I am smiling to myself). This self awareness and introspection and getting in touch with my authentic self never disappoints me, never comes up empty handed, is not an illusion like most everything else, and is one hundred percent more life affirming and grounding to listen to my inner voice and enjoying peace which comes with no fear, no anxiety - because I choose that route. Your summer and now being in the Okanogan (I love it there) feels like I haven’t missed you at all because no tv no social media and because Substack has even gotten more frenzied and infested with drama, fear mongering and ugliness despite my focus only on who I subscribe to, I’m even stepping away from Substack for long periods of time. Self care. Self knowledge. What is important to my soul and my authentic self. Listening to good music, being in nature, breathing and moving, loving honestly, prayer/meditation and reading older good books and taking care of myself - ourselves with good sleep, healthy food and hydration. Getting thru personal challenges a step at a time and being more present by not allowing all the distractions and chaos be part of my life. ❤️ I’m glad you are good, Tommy!! Sending my best to you and others that are here - and my appreciation for your work, whether you write about it or not, as always.
Ah I love this so much Kim. Reading brought a huge smile to my face—to hear you’re taking care of your soul, pursuing what is nourishing, embodied. Thank you for being here, even popping by and sharing your presence. It’s a blessing.
"The constant consumption of content that crushes us or our endless ability to endure it..." Has me by the throat! Whoah. Now we no longer own TV's in our home however what took its place was smart phones & tablets. I would argue that this became further isolating than when we had TV's however the concept is ultimately is so very true. & oof! The addiction piece. We were just talking about this in our little writing group but regarding social media and doom scrolling.
Thank you Sarah (: appreciate you reading and the thoughtful reflection here.
Smart phones and tablets seem to have become more pernicious, perhaps just with even lower friction to use, plus algorithms are now designed to be addictive.
The flip side of this is imagine the self control of those that can withstand the algorithms lofty pull into zombied bliss.