The television is more evil than the computer (Jeremy Zawodny's blog)

In our family debates, I generally espouse the point of view expressed by Jeremy Zawodny, but there is clearly another side to the argument that TV is simply evil.

I have enjoyed watching the Olympics on the television; I don't think that I would enjoy gymnastics as much on the computer. While I watched the Olympics, I could cuddle up with my wife and daughter on the couch. This does not work well at the keyboard; in fact, taking the baby to the computer is an invitation to a tantrum. Once we have finished watching a program together, it is often the subject of a discussion. This happens less frequently with the computer, which caters to our divergent more than our common interests.

Finally, as Zawodny's practice of turning on the iTunes at the keyboard suggests, one tends to tune out in front of the CRT, minimizing interaction with other people. Anyone who uses a computer is clearly aware that it can become obsessive. I have never been accused of ignoring someone because I was watching television, but occasionally people have suggested that I should pay more attention to them and less to the computer.

For myself, I would cheerfully dispense with a television, but not at the expense of social relationships with my family.