Shiny Happy Television People

[laurainlimbo]

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]

Comments

[wolfpurplemoon]

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...

[bitterbird.livejournal.com]

wow I couldnt disagree more with that writer seriously lol

[shadecat.livejournal.com]

*kicks the writer*

Um... stoopid.

[hue126.livejournal.com]

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.

[ladyjaja.livejournal.com]

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!

[amphigory.livejournal.com]

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

[nekosensei.livejournal.com]

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

Zzzzzzzzzzzzz....

[xitsmejessica.livejournal.com]

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

[dawnie1970.livejournal.com]

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*