Watching TV Makes People Unhappy

Here's a little article published by Parents Television Council:

A new scientific study by researchers at the University of California-San Diego has found that, while Americans' standard of living has increased over the last 40 years, their happiness levels haven't -- and watching too much TV is largely to blame.

In the study, scientists surveyed 4,000 people about events of the previous day, then asked them to rate the activities on whether they felt happy or unhappy. Comparing the answers of people surveyed in 2005 with answers from 1965, the study found that people today have more free time, but use it to watch more TV. Television viewing has risen from 11 percent in 1965 to 17 percent today among men, and from 8 percent to 14 percent among women.

The study also determined that peoples' happiness is greatest when they are engaged with a close community, and participate in cooperative activities such as sports, church or charities. David Schkade, a professor of management on the study, said that the problem with television viewing is that it is often done in isolation. Active, stimulating recreation and interaction with others help people feel connected and content.

"Make the effort to go out and engage with your family or friends, or exercise or read. It would make your life better," Schkade said.

Are they right or are they right?

For more from the Parents Television Council, visit www.parentstv.org