The Dangers of Too Much TV & Binging Netflix

According to several recent studies, Americans are watching on average three hours of TV per day across all devices. Some studies suggest that number is even higher. We have all heard old-school preachers condemn the masses for watching that evil television in the living room. To their credit, there is a lot of content unacceptable for Christians to view. However, it would be very difficult to make a Biblical case against watching shows, sports, or movies in general. But the potentially unwholesome content is not my concern here. Rather, does binging or excessive TV watching (and yes, the national average is certainly excessive…considerably so) pose other concerns Christians should be mindful of? TV may be lawful, but is it profitable? Here are four concerns.

Unrealistic Expectations of Real Life

Shows and movies tell stories to connect with our minds and emotions, and in doing so, shape what we think about reality. Potentially dangerous, TV can give us incomplete or inaccurate expectations of the real world around us. After watching countless shows that form this expectation, we struggle to live and flourish in the real world governed by God and his Word. For instance, many woman love romance shows and movies. These dramas draw out, in a variety of ways, the romance emotions that come with a new relationship without portraying the reality of real relationships. Women can begin to expect such emotions and want their spouses to deliver like the guys on the screen. In like manner, most men are drawn to shows where there is a hero who accomplishes much and commands the respect of many. Us men can think we could be that guy, or perhaps should get the respect of that guy, without embodying and laboring for the things that would actually make that a reality. The real world is filled with sin yet ruled by God. Our expectations must be shaped by his word, not fleeting romance or the always conquering hero. Ask yourself this question: are the shows I’m watching helping me better understand reality or causing me to grow further from it?

Mental, Emotional, and Physical Atrophy

Watching TV is a form of entertainment that requires little to no intellectual effort. This form of media carries the mind along from shot to shot, spoon feeding the story to the viewer. Watching doesn’t require anything of you, but rather presses feelings and emotions upon you as you passively watch and listen. The “feel good” you get from the show is addictive. Most other “feel goods” we get in life require work or effort. The joy of golf comes through the labor of learning the game. The pleasure of a good book comes from wrestling with the text, engaging the mind, and piecing together the storyline. The joy of painting grows with months and years of honing your skills to produce a beautiful work of art. Not only do these other forms of entertainment and pleasure require skill and labor, but they also enhance the human being engaged in them. The image bearer of God finds joy through becoming more competent, more skilled, more refined, more intelligent, wiser, etc. TV does just the opposite. It requires no input and delivers no output, mentally, emotionally, or physically.

Relationship Robber

I can only speak from personal experience on this particular point, but I think my experience is generally applicable. Excessive amounts of TV (like the national average), tend to rob us of meaningful relationships, and particularly the hard work of cultivating those relationships. Nearly every other activity you do with another person involved interacting with them as you “do” the activity. Watching TV, even together, may involve physical proximity, but it rarely promotes relational growth. Countless spouses could attest to this fact. The more TV watched, the less relational energy exerted. The result is weaker relationships.

Time Waster

There is an inverse relationship between my consumption of TV and my productivity and effectiveness in life. Not only does TV rob me of time doing other things, but it also makes it harder to be motivated to do those other things. As mentioned above, TV requires no input or discipline from me, yet it offers a “feel good.” This makes it harder for me to be disciplined in other areas of life. The more activities you do in life that don’t require discipline, the harder it will be to do those things that require it. This has become especially clear as I’ve watched my children’s relationship with TV and YouTube. The more they consume, the harder schoolwork, reading, family devotionals, and chores become. TV does pull you from away from doing other things. Sometimes this is ok. Maybe you need an hour of mindless rest. But this quickly robs you of taking dominion in life and before long makes the task of disciplined dominion even harder.

Conclusion

After reading the above concerns, you are likely tempted to do one of two things. First, you may assume that I’m anti-TV and am laying down legalistic rules all Christians must follow. Hopefully I’ve made clear that I enjoy a good movie and some occasional TV. In fact, me and my four boys watched Braveheart last night and loved every minute of it. I am not suggesting a new law, but rather sounding an alarm. Let’s be honest, most Christians spend too much time in front of the screen. We should be honest about that tendency, wise with our reasoning, and disciplined in our use of time. Second, you may be forming arguments in your head to defend your own consumption of TV. I would encourage you to resist this temptation. We have already agreed that watching TV is not bad in and of itself. So instead of defending, take an honest look at your life and your time. Is your TV consumption wise? Are you being a good steward of your relationships, mind, body, and soul? Is your TV consumption a net positive or a net negative toward the image bearer God would have you be? These are questions worth asking and being honest about.