Television and the way people watch TV has changed dramatically over the years. Television began with just a few shows, during select hours scheduled each week. With On Demand services like Netflix, downloading shows online and entire seasons all grouped together, it’s easier for viewers to watch on their own demand at any time.
Whether it’s “binge-watching,” sometimes known as “marathoning,” 17 episodes of a show’s season, watching one episode on a break in the middle of the day, or scheduling four hours to watch TV on Sunday nights, people now have the opportunity to watch television however and whenever they like.
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Keene members reflected on how they used to watch TV, when shows were only available on the television screen. Craig Peers, a Keene resident, said, “I used to plan my evenings around the shows I wanted to watch. It was the worst if you missed the show because we didn’t have the means to ‘catch up’ that we do now.” Another Keene resident, Chris Hatch, said, “I used to watch a lot more TV. Though I did try to watch TV online, I thought it was a pain. I usually watch episodes of something that just happens to be on but I did binge-watch Game of Thrones.”
Jessica Smith, who is also from Keene, agreed, “I like the TV because I enjoy the big picture visual. I can’t concentrate or get into a show if I have to watch it online with ads and interruptions — I don’t enjoy it as much.”
KSC student Alexis Zecha said, “The way I watch TV now is pretty different from when I was growing up. I used to always watch TV on an actual TV and not on a computer. I also never used to really watch any TV series. Watching TV online allows you to watch episodes whenever you want to, which I think is always helpful.”
Young children talked about their TV habits and how, they too, watch TV on Netflix or online.
Denali Croteau, age 14, said, “When I was younger I didn’t have Netflix or an Ipad to watch TV so I watched it on my regular TV. I feel like TV now can be watched anywhere. When I’ve had a long day, it relaxes me.”
Of course, Croteau said she has TV limitations because she goes to school and lives with her parents who monitor her “screen time.” She said, “I watch TV about four hours a week at most; normally it’s less than that.”
Some adults agreed that screen time needs to be limited. Smith said, “I usually watch about three hours a week to wind down at night. I watch TV to decompress and relax. I used to watch TV a lot, but in my mind, it became a lazy activity. I decided to put more effort into being active than lazily avoiding life on the couch.”
KSC students reflected on the problems with watching TV online or binge watching shows on Netflix. Josie Blackburn said, “I mostly watch TV on the big screen because I can watch the news or a variety of shows.”
While there are pros and cons of each viewing method, students said they struggle to find a balance between binge-watching TV online and focusing on their everyday life. Lisa Sogno, KSC student said, “There’s ways around it. I like watching online because then I can watch my shows while I’m at the gym. That’s killing two birds with one stone.”
Zecha said, “I try to balance it. I tend to watch episode by episode and I sometimes binge watch, but I try not to.”
Peers said, “I do have a TV but it’s for gaming or when I occasionally want to watch a DVD. Why would I pay extra for cable when I can just watch anything online?”
KSC student Kelley Gilbert said she does not have cable and chooses to watch most TV on Netflix or other online sources.
Gilbert said, “I totally binge watch. When you’re watching a show, you just say ‘one more episode’ and keep going. TV is a time killer, but that’s why I like it.”
“I’ve found myself on lunch breaks from work, even if it’s just an hour, and I think to myself, ‘Oh, I can watch one more episode’ and I do. It’s so available,” Peers said.
Eleanor Marshall can be contacted at emarshall@keene-equinox.com
