People have differing views as to whether watching television is a frivolous pursuit. While some are claiming that TV viewing offers clear tangible advantages, I side with those who argue that it is a time-intensive activity with little value on the whole.
There are several reasons why it could be argued that browsing TV networks is beneficial. Chief among them is staying abreast of current events. When viewers watch news channels, they remain well-informed about the current events both globally and locally, which enhances their connection to the world. Good examples of such news channels are MSNBC, CNN, BBC, and Sky News that keep individuals updated on the latest news about diverse topics like politics, economies, and international affairs, thus expanding their knowledge base. Educational contents are another notable benefit of observing TV programs. Many channels like National Geographic or Discovery provide documentaries like “Planet Earth” and ”Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey” on history, science, and culture, which can be highly enlightening and spark intellectual curiosity.
Despite these arguments, in my view, engaging with TV content is a counterproductive habit. If a person spends excessive amounts of time in front of the screen, TV consumption can become a time-draining activity, which reduces time available for more productive or meaningful activities. To clarify, binge-watching TV series such as Stranger Things, Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, and The Crown can take many hours that could be spent acquiring a new skill, reading, or engaging in outdoor activities. Television viewing has also a detrimental impact on mental health. When people consume television media for extended periods, they become more isolated from social interactions, which diminishes opportunities for real-life connections. As a result, they may develop feelings of loneliness or increased anxiety, thus negatively undermining their overall mental well-being and self-perception.
In summary, although television consumption has benefits, especially in terms of up-to-date news and gaining insights from informative content, I remain convinced that it is a poor use of time due to the aforementioned ramifications, such as harmful consequences for mental well-being and an unproductive way to spend time.