Unplug for 6 months - could you?

[Alicia Leonard]

I don't think a complete unplug would be such a good thing. I'd stop learning from Wikipedia, I'd stop knowing what's going on in the world, I'd stop balancing my checkbook and managing what I spend, and I'd stop communicating with family.

I would however love to try and go six months without television. That's an interesting idea. No more talking heads, no showtime and hbo shows, no more silly movies I really won't miss seeing.

You would not miss it a bit....I have a TV, but have not had cable in over 4 years. Just started streaming movies to my xbox for entertainment, but I go weeks without turning it on and find it hard to watch it now when I am in a waiting room.

 

[DuneAHH]

Idealistically it sounds rather 'romantic' in a nostalgic way. Realistically... I won't do it until I'm forced to.

I just got rid of my cell phone. Even tho I watch a lot of TV (movies & learning channels), I could give up TV fairly easily because I've had times in my life where I wouldn't watch it for weeks at a time.

I'm truly addicted to my lap top. I know I could live without it, but I might be bitter for awhile ;-)

 

[Bob]

I could do without most electronic devices, but I refuse to give up my pacemaker.

what about your armageddon alarm clock or marital aids?

 

[Bob]

I don't think a complete unplug would be such a good thing. I'd stop learning from Wikipedia, I'd stop knowing what's going on in the world, I'd stop balancing my checkbook and managing what I spend, and I'd stop communicating with family.

I would however love to try and go six months without television. That's an interesting idea. No more talking heads, no showtime and hbo shows, no more silly movies I really won't miss seeing.

if you have a digital converter box and also subscribe to cable internet service, if you return the box to the local cable service center and say that you are cancelling tv and wish to keep internet, the cable weasels will not bother to filter out the basic channels because of the internal cost of the service call....free tv up to about 75-85 channels! if you ask the cable company to come pick up the box, they will take the opportunity to filter the tv channels.

 

[Rita]

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If I remember correctly, we haven't had cable since the late 1970s when we lived in an area of KY where you couldn't get any channels without cable. Only watch a few shows now. I wouldn't miss TV at all - it would be extremely easy to give up. Not one to use the phone much either. ..... Now the computer is another story!


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[poppy]

Books are only as good as their content and television is only as good as the programs you are viewing. HGTV, FoodNetwok, History Channel, and Discovery Channel, all have excellent programs that are entertaining and educational. Then there is PBS with my three favorites, Frontline, Nova and Independent Lens.

 

[GoodWitch58]

My son and DIL gave up cable after this past summer when their TV was on the blink, and they were away for a good portion of the summer months...once everyone got back home and the TV got fixed, they realized they had not missed it and so they canceled the cable. They have two small children who watch videos selected by parents, but very little television.
I watch very little television, but do enjoy some shows and PBS Newshour. I am an NPR junkie though--giving that up would be hard.
the best investment I ever made was the DVR--it is amazing how little time it takes to catch up on the news when you are not watching/hearing all those commercials.
I would find it difficult to give up my computer/Internet, but I could probably do that too, except for business purposes. Today, almost all business related "stuff" is somehow tied to the computer...and I do like being able to connect with my family and friends all around the world.

 

[scooterbug44]

I've gone without TV and it's very nice - you don't really miss it.

Ditto for turning off/leaving the cell phone behind. Plus, I am not important enough where I really MUST be reachable 24/7 - though many people seem to think differently and flip out when they can't reach me - mainly because they are so USED to people always answering no matter where they are.

On several occasions, I've cut myself off completely from every outside influence except the group of people I am traveling with and I must say it is quite the unpleasant culture shock to return.

Cell phones/electronics ARE an addiction for - which is why I loved that this lady did this.

 

[Andy A]

I also think that one's age, interests and mobility enter into the equation. I would greatly miss the TV as I do not get out and about as I once use to do. I do agree that electronics are addictive, though.

 

[scooterbug44]

Moderation is the key - I do like TV and find my cell phone and computer quite useful.

But I don't need them on 24/7.

When you can't have a meal or a lengthy conversation without interruption, can't watch a movie or play, and must sleep with your phone by your bed, then it's an issue.