Books, Bonding, or Boob Tube? "Experts" say the answer reflects your happiness.

According to a University of Maryland study, out today, the more you read or spend your leisure time socializing the happier you're likely to be.

Conversely the more leisure time you spend watching TV the less happy you're likely to be, the study says.

Interestingly enough, the study also says that unhappy people are perfectly content or "happy" with the role television plays in their lives.

The study's authors surveyed 30,000 people and examined data collected over a 30-year period.

I don't know how right or wrong they are, but I'll say the study makes sense. If you're spending the bulk of your non-working time sitting in front of a TV - especially if you're sitting there alone, that's kind of sad. So I can see the whole "unhappy" equation.

And while I'm no scientist it also makes sense to me that reading, because it probably requires more brain power, can make you more satisfied, or happier.

And the socializing thing? That's pretty self explanatory. Humans are meant to be social creatures. Fulfilling that instinct has to help your happiness level.

Which category do you fall in? I like to think I'm happy. I mean I do read a lot. Mrs B. and I probably don't go out with friends as often as we should. But we socialize. I admit though I watch way too much TV - at least too much by my standards.

Eh, two out of three isn't bad.

Comments

[insomniac]

who determines what is happy or not happy?
i read, watch too much stoopid tv, don't have many friends and don't really like socialising much. i'm not what you'd call an outgoing person, but i'm happy enough. i know who i am, and that's enough for me, even if others find it hard to comprehend.
gavin de graw says it best: i don't want to be anything other than what i've been trying to be lately, all i have to do is think of me and i have peace of mind.
i have peace of mind, and i don't think i'd have it if i hadn't sunk to the bottom and then bobbed back up. depression changes you on the inside.
sometimes scientists should just stop stuffing around with useless studies that end up upsetting or scaring ordinary people, and get on with doing something useful

[JW]

I "watch" tv maybe a total of 2 hrs per week. I use the "." because the tv is usually on for background noise.

I read alot, sometimes mindless drivel, most times something substansial.

I socialize once a week, on Sat. nights. I hate stupid people, so it's only for a couple of hrs.

I like being alone, and left alone, and when done so, I am never lonely. I like me.

Wonder what that says about me? lol.

[M@]

James, I read that story and found it immensely interesting. Thank god, I can't afford cable anymore! That must mean I'm really happy.

Hey, I'm up to my old shenanigans: http://www.whyihatedc.blogspot.com.

[Say it]

Lets, see, I socialize, read, watch tv and am a generally happy person. Maybe i've found a balance? Nah, wait til mid winter, I'll be cranky and unsociable and know what is going on in every tv show!

[Pamela]

most everything on TV makes me unhappy - so I don't watch it.
(except dancing with the stars. I watch that)