Statistics

I have been doing a little research for statistics to help motivate us during our little challenge and I have posted the most interesting and alarming ones below!

 

Millions of Americans are so hooked on television that they fit the criteria for substance abuse as defined in the official psychiatric manual, according to Rutgers University psychologist and TV-Free America board member Robert Kubey. Heavy TV viewers exhibit five dependency symptoms--two more than necessary to arrive at a clinical diagnosis of substance abuse. These include: 1) using TV as a sedative; 2) indiscriminate viewing; 3) feeling loss of control while viewing; 4) feeling angry with oneself for watching too much; 5) inability to stop watching; and 6) feeling miserable when kept from watching.  By the way, I am pretty sure Jeff may fall into this category although he is now in rehab thanks to me!

According to a recent study, USA and United Kingdom are tied for the most hours spent watching TV at 28 hours per person per week.  Italy was 2nd with 28 hours.  No wonder we watched so much TV we have some Italtian blood in us!  That is a lot of time in front of the tube.  New stats from Nielsen show that the average U.S. home has more TVs in it than people. According to the research firm, in 2009 the average U.S. household had just 2.5 people but had 2.86 televisions. We are the exception with this one we have five people and just 2 television sets so we are doing our part to help change this statistic.  And our TVs remain  unused this morning as well.

On average, Children spend more time watching television than in any other activity except sleep. - Huston and Wright, University of Kansas.  study entitled ""Television and Socialization of Young Children."

I have also researched statistics on forming new habits. While there is a vast difference of opinion on how long it takes to have truly adopted a new habit (such as not watching TV), general concensus is that it takes 3 weeks of daily practice and then months of maintenance and self awareness to truly acquire a new habit so fellow Smith kids we have a long road ahead of us!

I hope these stats motivate you to stay on board our little NO TV cruise ship!  Next stop St. Clean House Island!
Constantine Out