Don’t Read The Book… Watch The Movie First!

Sri Guttikonda ‘20

From the invention of television to the influx of movies and the overbearing influence of the digital entertainment industry on modern society, it appears as if written works are becoming less and less popular. As such, it is rare that adults, teens or even toddlers read for enjoyment anymore. This reignites the decades-old feud between literary enthusiasts and visual arts lovers: does one choose books or television?

Almost immediately, most people defend books and their ability to impart meaningful knowledge to the reader. Many, however, fail to acknowledge that amidst a stressful, fast-paced work environment, one needs to take a break from learning — and watching television is often a popular way to do so. Others feel that a world where nothing else but the questionable romance between the main characters Archie and Veronica seems to matter is a unique power delegated only to television. Although, Huffington Post argues that books can do the same, without “expand[ing] your waistline” [1].

Contrary to popular belief, watching television has far more benefits and advantages that most people give the hobby credit for. One of the most obvious, albeit underrated, qualities is its stress-relieving capabilities. After a long day at work, many simply want to find a relaxing pastime. Watching television is associated with decreased blood pressure and increased endorphin levels (hormones associated with happiness), unlike reading books which typically require focus and concentration for the reader to even have a tinge of enjoyment [2]. Khushi Kumar ‘21 states, “ Some days I am exhausted from extracurricular activities. After a long day of school simply to come to home to even more homework, sometimes I just turn the television for a bit and forgot about everything I have to do, all of the stress that awaits me disappears, even if it is momentarily.” Considering the competitiveness and formidability of most high schools, it is no surprise that this is the overwhelming response given by all the interviewed students at Ridge.

Seeing as many people take every opportunity to diminish the credibility of the viewing experience, it is important to understand that with the development of technology comes the development of the teenage mind. In the current age, no show is written without an underlying message or social issue. Ironically, the same news outlet criticizing the credibility of television’s positive effects, The Huffington Post itself, describes how “‘TV has become a global forum of discussion, information, entertainment and intellectual stimulation… ‘Watching TV doesn’t eliminate your intellectual life. It actually adds to it’” [3].  When questioned about his opinion on this debate, Ashna Gupta ‘21 mused, “Within the conflicts of shows like ‘The Fosters,’ in which individuals who are a part of the LGBTQ  community are constantly at odds with society, readers are made aware of the issues at hand and learn the importance of acceptance.” Of course, novels have the ability to do so as well, but because of television’s growing influence across the globe, these messages extend further and spark the relentless need for change across a range of communities.

Many fail to consider the subjective nature of the argument and the fact that there is truly no right answer. Nonetheless, people vigorously argue in favor of books, giving television, despite its wondrous nature, a bad reputation. Regardless of preference, it is impossible to deny the prolonging effects that books and television have had and will continue to have on our lives for centuries to come.

 

[1]https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/health-risk-of-watching-tv_us_56200c55e4b06462a13b5eb4

[2] https://www.bustle.com/articles/79201-6-ways-watching-tv-is-good-for-you-yes-really

[3]https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/watching-tv-is-good-for-you_us_559c2b19e4b0759e2b51162e