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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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Unhappiest Watch Boob Tube the Most

Happy people socialize, pray, in free time: study

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(Newser) – Unhappy Americans watch more TV, or TV-watching makes Americans unhappier—a new study isn't sure which. But the survey of nearly 40,000 people shows that those who watch 30% more television are less happy than those who pass their time in other ways. Sex, sports, and playing or reading with kids topped the happy list. Still, some TV-watchers defended their sedentary habit.

"The remote control, I sleep with it in my hand," said one who called herself happy. A good sitcom "can make you escape from the real world. You can laugh," said another. In all, 33% of those surveyed said they were happy. Another 55% described themselves as somewhat happy and 11% as not too happy. Whether those good numbers hold in this economy "is the $64 question," the study's main author said.

Unhappy Americans watch 30% more TV, the study says.
Unhappy Americans watch 30% more TV, the study says.   (Shutterstock)
People who are unhappy could be turning to television for solace, the study says.
People who are unhappy could be turning to television for solace, the study says.   (Shutterstock)
People who are unhappy could be turning to television for solace, the study says.
People who are unhappy could be turning to television for solace, the study says.   (Shutterstock)
Happy people watch TV, too, but they fill their time with other activities like socializing.
Happy people watch TV, too, but they fill their time with other activities like socializing.   (Shutterstock)
Happy people watch TV, too, but they fill their time with other activities like socializing.
Happy people watch TV, too, but they fill their time with other activities like socializing.   (Shutterstock)
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If you spend all of your time watching TV and not living your life, you're not going to be too happy. You're watching other people's lives. - Michelle Griggs, 33

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3 comments
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Reader25229471
Nov 24, 08 3:37 AM CST
Another study with the only concrete irrefutable result is how money it cost , and that is more $ wasted . CAN YOU SAY JUNK SCIENCE? This and most "Studys" of late do only one thing it makes people believe no study and that hurts the real studys, the ones that follow Scientific protocols. and that my friends is a problem and I bet it accounts for 6% of the population being depressed.It's TRUE I did a study I interviewed 7 whole people, and my cat and the tree by my window. Now give me some BIG $ and you can say it is news lend some credence to it and I will be laying on a beach doing a study, finding out how many lesbians go to the beach, I will ask for a date and if they say no , I check off another lesbian. I can't believe how many there. It seems that all women who are hot and wear bikinis are lesbians. Yes it was a surprise to me also! Reply
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petepenguin
Nov 24, 08 6:03 AM CST
But did you consult the tree by the neighbors house? Reply
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Reader69
Nov 24, 08 9:16 AM CST
The funniest part is the author's comment about a "$64" question. Reply
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