TV free families. Ever feel like you don't know what's going on?

[orangekoolaid]

So, I admit.  I have no clue what "Downtown Abbey" is or any of the other shows out there that my friends are all raving about right now. Even my friends who I would consider "not addicted" to TV.  

Do you ever feel like you have no idea what's going on and you almost are embarrassed because of it?  

Part of me really could care less about these popular shows, but then I wonder if I am missing out on something I truly need to know about.

[erinmattsmom88]

We are not tv-free... yet. Unfortunately, we are locked in a contract for another 1.5 years with a satellite service. :( That being said, the tv is on just for the PBS shows that my kids watch. Otherwise, we don't watch it.  

Do you ever feel like you have no idea what's going on and you almost are embarrassed because of it? 

No, not embarrassed at all. I actually enjoy admitting to this and love to see the reactions!! :) I could care less what the latest tv show is.

I do keep up with the goings on in the "real" world via the internet. Usually by non-MSM news sources.

[Nazsmum]

We are TV-free and I don't feel like we are missing very much. We get our NEWS from the radio and I'm on the internet. I'm not miss much.

[BeckyBird]

We are partially TV free--we don't have any type TV service at all, and occasionally watch shows & movies on the internet (Netflix, Youtube, etc).

However, I know what you mean about feeling out of the loop. When you don't watch network TV or commercials anymore, you really do miss out on what's new. I have to say, I LOVE this feeling!

We also read news from non-MSM sources....I will not watch network or cable news. It disgusts me (sorry to offend!) There are televisions at the gym, often set to CNN or FOX news, and when I go to work out, I refuse to watch. I like to use the cycle, so I'll read a book or do a sudoku puzzle instead of watching the tv!

It's weird not being up to date with the current shows, commercials, or Hollywood gossip, but I like it. That stuff just weighs you down anyway!

[mokey4]

I completely agree with everyone who commented. We have a TV in our basement, which is not a warm and inviting room, no cable at all, and I can't remember the last time I tried to watch anything on TV. I haven't been a regular TV-watcher since 2005 or so, and I don't miss it at all. I am proud to not know what is happening on TV. None of my friends seem to watch TV either, because it doesn't come up in conversation. But my friends from my old life (I moved from the east coast in 2009 to Seattle) all talk about TV on facebook, and I have no idea what they are talking about. My sister is particularly bad, she always relates stuff in real life to things she saw on TV- I find it to be a really annoying habit.

Anyway I'm sort of proud to be out-of-the-loop when it comes to TV. I feel like I've kicked the national addiction, and as a result I have more time and more interesting interests. Now if I could spend less time on the internet I'd be set...

I get most of my news through the internet sites of newspapers, and facebook word of mouth. And people talking at work.

[wwjc]

If you live alone being without a radio, internet, or tv you can feel like all the days blend together.  I feel out of the loop without media but with it like my life is being wasted.  I think being able to tap into some connection to the world on occasion is a good thing.  Living with limited media, I enjoy the weekly weather forecast and one or two tv episodes a week.  I do want to be involved in conversations about what is new or tv shows but life goes on without tv shows.  Keeping up with the plot of a tv show can become a commitment.  I agree with BeckyBird that it weights you down and you can feel really happy about not being concerned with irrelevant issues.  

[JudiAU]

Our kids are totally tv-free but we are not. ( I was for ten years though...) I never feel that I am missing out. I listen to NPR, read several newspapers, and am surrounded by media. And yeah, I love some Downtown Abbey.