The Plug-In Drug: Television, Computers, and Family Life

Author Marie Winn has published several books about the medium of television and how it affects families and children. This book, "The Plug in Drug" was first published more than 25 years ago and has now been updated to include computers and other modern technology. Having been a television addict myself and someone who is interested in what others have to say about the ill effects of excessive TV viewing, I purchased thi book hoping to become enlightened about the destruction that can be caused by overconsumption of television.After reading this book, my feelings are mixed. The author (and the studies she sites from other's works) is decisively anti- television. She points out how families are not as closely- knit as they were in the past and how television viewing has caused kids to lose interest in other activities, like book reading and involvement in sports and outdoor recreation. She even draws the conclusion that the downward trend in SAT test scores can be atrributed to the rise of television viewing and popularity.Breaking the "spell" of television can be difficult. Parents find that TV viewing acts as a built- in babysitter and is also handy for use as a bribe. It's also much easier to let kids watch TV than to actively take part in other activities with them. This makes it especially tough to turn off the set and look for other, more productive ways to spend time.Winn doesn't call for the outlawing of television, and that's good because if she did, then I would immediately toss this book in the nearest sewer. Instead, she advocates watching television in moderation. She feels that, like anything, television can become addictive and that young children are the most vulnerable. Adults, too, can get hooked on TV but it's the children that are most susceptible to this "disease".Winn's opinions and her stance on television are sometimes accurate and sometimes a little over the edge. I can agree that, overall, most people watch too much television and that this can certainly take away valuable time that could be spent elsewhere. But I disagree on some of the more radical points, like the suggestion that kid's shows like Sesame Street are useless or that families should try going "cold turkey" and shutting down the set for good. I can only imagine the negative, rebellious response that would take place in most homes if a television- free environment was proposed by a parent.Overall, this is a decent book to read with a few good points to make about television viewing and keeping this activity in check. There is a good reference section in the back with names, addresses, and web sites of helpful organizations to turn to if you feel that yourself and/or your kids are television junkies. But much like Winn's suggestion that you moderate your TV consumption, you should also moderate how readily you accept her advice. Television has some good points, and there are some good, educational programs to watch. Complete elimination of television is not necessarily a good idea, in spite of what some psychologists and counselors have proposed. Moderation is the key to finding the right balance of television viewing vs. other activities for yourself and your family.

If you buy this book, read it with an open mind. Don't try to criticize or resist it -- just read. This book is an argument in favor of less television viewing. In an age of ubiquitous electronic media, it's certainly not a mainstream point of view. Don't expect to be blown away. The book is neither Dickens nor is it especially entertaining. Nonetheless, it is an important read. Even if you think you disagree, as I once had, consider reading it. There is not an abundance of texts out there on the subject.The author asks some very basic questions that I think most of us never even consider. She doesn't focus on content but instead on the simple act of watching TV. It's an important distinction because she's not talking about whether or not this film or that film should be PG-13 or rated R; she's talking about what affect does passive television viewing have on the developing brain? What kinds of activities are being displaced by television viewing? If kids are watching, they are not doing a number of other activities such as playing, running, building, reading, socializing, talking, learning an instrument, doing homework, etc. And even if they are still participating in those activities, they are certainly doing them less frequently than they would have otherwise been doing without television.I've tried to get others to read this book but really it's no use. No one wants to hear it. I wouldn't have even known about it if I had not found it in my sister's "required" reading for a college course. She didn't even read it -- and it was required! Everyone is too busy... watching TV, I guess. If this book makes an impression on you and you want to turn off the TV, don't expect everyone to follow suit just because you read a book. It's not going to happen. Nobody reads anymore. Books are lame. They'll have to wait for the Plug-In Drug mini-series on HBO or something. I'm sure they'll make it. Just wait, you'll see.

A stimulating and thorough look at how children and television coexist in a household. Winn explains how children watch television and how their brains work to process the visual images they see on the screen. She discusses how the sheer amount of television watched by the average American child damages their lives and their education by stopping them doing other things such as reading, socialising with other children and finding interests of their own. She also explores how computers and internet access in schools may be doing more harm than good, reinforcing the instant gratification children expect from life after years of television.On top of this analysis, Winn offers - shock horror - alternatives to the automatic impulse we all seem to harbour to switch on the TV, stick on a DVD or plug in a games console. She offers inspiration in the form of testimonies from families who have already taken control of their viewing habits and come out the other side with happier children who are more active in the community, healthier both physically and mentally, and have balanced lives full of active pursuits and developed interests.This is a fairly exhaustive study, but the simple breakdown of topics makes it a manageable one. The argument is balanced and Winn doesn't preach her message - instead she persuades admirably and eloquently. The book is both interesting and provocative, and a must-read for parents and telly addicts everywhere.

This is a really great book, well written, considered, and hugely thought provoking. I have two young boys and the description of kids staring, slack jawed at the television really resonated. There were two key messages, that still seem to be missed in popular discussion of the impact of TV on kids. Firstly that it is not so much what is watched - but the fact that the time spent passively watching TV is time spent not doing something more developmental (ie almost anything else). 2-4 hours a day of staring at a screen is an awful lot of time that could be productively used on other pursuits. Secondly that TV for kids is primarily used by parents as a surrogate babysitter (I know I've been guilty of this) rather than as an educational tool. I would love to do without a TV, but suspect my other half would not agree (unless I can get her to read this book too.)

There are very few books out there that mount the case against television. Of those there are, this is still the best. This is a new, revised edition. Winn gathers strong evidence and makes powerful arguments. The best thing about the book, though, is that it is measured, calm and reasonable. She doesn't rant or hector. This makes her case all the more persuasive. This is essential reading for anyone concerned with the effect that television has on us as individuals and on society in general. Parents, in particular, should find it immensely thought-provoking.

A must read

Remarkable work