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Mark Dogood

The Unexpected Benefits of Watching TV


In today's fast-paced digital world, television often gets a bad rap. Critics argue that it's a waste of time, a distraction, and even harmful. However, emerging research paints a different picture, highlighting the various ways in which watching TV can actually be beneficial. TV can enhance critical thinking, foster creativity, and provide much-needed emotional relief.

Enhancing Critical Thinking and Creativity

Contrary to popular belief, television can be a powerful tool for stimulating the mind. Documentaries and historical programming, for example, offer rich narratives and complex scenarios that encourage viewers to think critically about society and the world. According to MediaSmarts, these types of shows can help develop critical thinking skills by presenting real-world issues in an engaging format ([MediaSmarts](https://mediasmarts.ca/digital-media-literacy/general-information/television/good-things-about-television)).


Moreover, children's programming often includes shows designed to stimulate problem-solving and creative thinking. An essay on 123HelpMe.org discusses how certain TV shows can help children develop their critical thinking and creative skills by presenting challenges that require thoughtful solutions ([123HelpMe](https://123helpme.org/essays/children-should-watch-tv/)).





The Positive Side of Escapism

While escapism is often viewed negatively, it can actually serve a valuable purpose. Escaping into a TV show can provide a mental break from the stresses of daily life, allowing viewers to relax and recharge. An article from IvyPanda argues that TV can promote both critical and creative thinking, suggesting that a moderate amount of escapism is not only harmless but beneficial ([IvyPanda](https://ivypanda.com/essays/is-watching-tv-bad-or-good/)).


Watching TV with family or friends can also turn into a social activity that fosters discussion and shared experiences. The Little Academy Nursery points out that when parents watch TV with their children, they can encourage critical thinking by discussing the content and asking questions ([Little Academy Nursery](https://littleacademy.net/television-a-friend-or-a-foe/)).


Emotional Relief and Catharsis

One of the most significant benefits of watching TV is the emotional relief it can provide. Engaging with a compelling story can offer a sense of catharsis, helping viewers process their own emotions. The Writing King highlights how TV can spark imagination, enhance descriptive richness, and provide insights, all of which contribute to emotional well-being ([The Writing King](https://thewritingking.com/benefits-of-watching-television-for-writers/)).


Additionally, regular TV watching can introduce new ideas and challenge existing beliefs, fostering a more open-minded and thoughtful approach to life. As noted on Vocal Media, TV shows can encourage critical thinking and enhance memory retention and problem-solving skills ([Vocal Media](https://vocal.media/humans/watching-tv-shows-daily-benefits)).




Our Roaming Souls

In addition to the benefits of TV, some intriguing beliefs and studies explore the idea of spirits roaming the earth. This feeling of watching from all kinds of views . For example, the concept of purgatory includes the notion of spirits watching over the living. The New Yorker discusses how Dante's "Purgatory" suggests that spirits undergo reeducation before moving on, implying that they can observe the living (The New Yorker). Additionally, World History Encyclopedia notes that the idea of purgatory transformed the understanding of ghosts from demonic entities to wandering spirits (World History Encyclopedia).


Moreover, various cultural and religious traditions offer their own interpretations of purgatory and the afterlife. In some cultures that believe in reincarnation, it is thought that spirits may roam the earth or experience a collective unconscious before being reborn. This belief is often linked to the idea of joining a greater spiritual continuum, where individual souls become part of a larger, interconnected consciousness.


Kabbalistic teachings also provide a unique perspective on this topic. According to Kabbalah, souls undergo a process of purification and may linger in a state where they observe and reflect on their past lives. This is reminiscent of the commonly reported phenomenon where individuals say that their life flashes before their eyes in moments of near-death or during profound spiritual experiences.


Unity of Friends

From friends to small talk to bonding over, leading to a strong foundation of friendship and an introduction into a whole new social scene with conversations, TV watch parties, and bonds between family members, creating a wholesome thing for things to bond as I had with my father watching what at some times with a sex scene appearing awkward but I wouldn't trade that for the world.


Conclusion

While it's important to balance TV watching with other activities, it's clear that television can offer numerous benefits. From enhancing critical thinking and creativity to providing emotional relief, TV can be more than just a pastime; it can be a valuable tool for personal growth and mental well-being. So, the next time you settle in for a night of TV, remember that you might be gaining more than just entertainment.


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