Shiny Happy Television People [it's not life that matters but the journey...]

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apparently, according to This article , I must not be a happy person.
Here's what this moronic writer, Roni Rabin says in the NY Times:

Happy people spend a lot of time socializing, going to church and reading newspapers — but they don’t spend a lot of time watching television, a new study finds.

That’s what unhappy people do.

okay, where was this study conducted? Sunnybrook Farm? Reading newspapers? who does that anymore? what century are we living in? and going to church? that's what makes people happy? can't we socialize while watching television?

so this begs the questions, and I think a poll is necessary:

[Poll #1300446]

Mood::

contemplative

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There are 27 comments on this entry. (Reply.)

Dad buys a newspaper every Saturday, so I read one every other week, when I'm with him. Not sure it makes me happy, although we do read one of the more balanced papers, The Independent, if I was reading The Daily Mail or any other right-wing tabloid rag then I'd probably just be angry!

Watching TV isn't a social activity for us, I watch my downloads on my laptop with headphones, and Mum watches what she's recorded on the TV. We watch a few things together, but I still wouldn't call it social, but it certainly doesn't make us unhappy, I'm sure!

And I always doubt the findings of surveys that say that people who go to church are in any way better/happier/whatever...

like you I watch most of my television shows on the computer with headphones cause my hubby doesn't share the same interests in entertainment - sadly for me. we do watch some movies together, but a lot of the stuff I watch, I watch alone. but then I discuss it in fandoms with people like you - and that's the fun!! and it makes me tremendously happy! and relaxed:)

yea this survey is dumb - church and newspapers made people happy back in the 1800's - LOL!!

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We may watch some things separately, but if we have seen some of the same things then that often becomes a topic of conversation, so we are socialising:)

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yea that's the best thing about tv and movies - talking about them afterwards:)

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wow I couldnt disagree more with that writer seriously lol

I know huh??

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*kicks the writer*

Um... stoopid.

*kicks the person who did the study too*

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yeah! kick them too!

*kicks*

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I saw this poll on EW.com's PopWatch Blog. I really believe that you make your own happiness. If you're unhappy with whatever you watch on TV and basically think the world's a giant shithole, then there isn't much I can do to convince you otherwise. If you're happy and think TV is enjoyable or reading a paper is enjoyable, then that's your whole worldview.

Television programs and movies can not only be social activities, but can also improve critical thinking skills (they're basically visual books if you think about it) and a variety of other crucial skills you need in life. It's a silly conclusion for a poll.

I totally agree you make your own happiness. some people can watch happy shows and still be unhappy - LOL! it depends on so many things, and this study was so simple - putting something very complex into a small pigeonhole.

television and movies, for me, are very social. I love my fandoms on LJ and I constantly talk movies with my sister and others. it's fun!

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I totally agree! I used to think tv was a waste of time - and it is if you're just surfing channels, but not if you really watch good, quality shows like you said.

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if you look at what this study is saying, it's basically a knock to the introverted personality, which is me, and i take offense.
who decided that being out and with a bunch of people needs to make me happy?
you know when im happy? when i have the house to myself and i can watch movies, play sudoku, be on the internet, write, day dream.....
and you know what? i have a bunch of friends and i love them to death and we have a lot of fun together....but in the environment that we can all share. which often is movies, dinner....and, news flash....im happy ;)

i also find that religion (going to church) is either a chore for a lot of people, or a crutch, or defense mechanism. i can guarantee you that there are THOUSANDS of unhappy people who read the newspaper and go to church. i can also guarantee you that there are people who watch tv and movies who are unhappy.

point is, you can simply chuck these things together. you cant make this gigantic decision that THIS is what a happy person does to entertain himself, and THAT is what an unhappy person does. it doesnt work that way.

you seem to understand it so im gonna recommend a book that helped me "get it" too....it's called Introvert Power and as a matter o'fact, I'm in it!

also, why does being social need to be equated with being happy? i mean, it's not that NO intrapersonal relations is good, but what if I thrive on my own? Does that mean I am perpetually unhappy?
NO!

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I am very happy with myself too. that's something not a lot of people could say (my sister for example hates to be alone). I'm happy being alone, and being with people too. it's a good balance.

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yea I'm an introvert too - and like you I'm really most happy when I can just have my own time with movies, internet, writing, reading, etc. of course I love spending time with my hubby and with family (when I can) and friends - that's great too! but I need "me" time.

i agree with you about religion too. I haven't gone to church since high school (a long time ago!). it definitely doesn't make everyone happy. my grandparents were very religious, but they didn't use it as any kind of crutch. they were seriously faithful, and my grandfather did missions and built churches - it was his life. but they were unusual.

I'll have to check out that book for sure - since I"m a fellow introvert!! Introverts Unite!!

*hugs*

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I read that article on Digg. The author is a moron, tbh.

seems like that article has been around - LOL!
yea it just made me laugh and I was inspired to do this silly poll - just to confirm that I wasn't crazy:)

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p.s. - you and I are the only ones so far to answer "what is happiness"? rather than "yes I am happy"

interesting...
*hugs*

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That is interesting. I wonder what that says about us? ♥

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definitely that we are like-minded, and are similar in other ways too! but also perhaps that we are deep souls, who are constantly searching for something else. I know that's what keeps me from saying I'm happy. happiness always seems just out of reach.

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Going to church does not make me happy. It just makes me bored.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzz....

Edited Date: 2008-11-20 05:27 am (UTC)

hehe so true! I remember falling asleep in church when I was a teenager. that's the last time I went to a church except for weddings.

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okay so your subject make me think about REM's song "shiny happy people". and when i think about that song, i think about:

:D

hehe I had no idea REM did that song with the muppets!! yea, that's the song I had in mind when I wrote that subject line...
you're so silly:)

*hugs*

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Um, people can decide for themselves what makes them happy. And yes, tv makes me happy, I love getting involved in a show, the fandom, and I've made good friends from fandom, so this author can suck it. *snuggles you*

*snuggles*
me too - and if it weren't for tv and movies, I wouldn't have met you!

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December