TV and Alpha Waves

Off Topic
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"If you experience “mind fog” after watching television, you are not alone. Studies have shown that watching television induces low alpha waves in the human brain. Alpha waves are brainwaves between 8 to 12 HZ. and are commonly associated with relaxed meditative states as well as brain states associated with suggestibility.

While Alpha waves achieved through meditation are beneficial (they promote relaxation and insight), too much time spent in the low Alpha wave state caused by TV can cause unfocussed daydreaming and inability to concentrate. Researchers have said that watching television is similar to staring at a blank wall for several hours…

I enjoy watching television on occasion, and this article is not meant to suggest that people should never watch TV. However, it is only fair that people understand what happens to the brain each time it is exposed to television."

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/247802/your_brain_waves_change_when_you_watch.html?cat=5

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I wonder if the same thing can be said for internet.

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I knew it was called the idiot box for a reason

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Sure. I’m not stupid because I’m a dumbass, I’m stupid because of the TV.

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[quote]skaz05 wrote:
I wonder if the same thing can be said for internet.[/quote]

Doubtful. I think the internet tends to be more interactive by default. Even if the content is just as stupid, there is at least a level of involvement on your part. Between emails, forums, social networking, google, and any assortment of hobbies you have. You’re probably going to be a lot more involved while using the internet than you would be while watching TV.

I wonder if the same thing can be said for watching Sports on TV. Personally, when I watch Sports, my brain hypes up and I tend to become completely engaged in it, commenting vocally with the game. I also tend to be with other people, who are like minded. Does not seem like a particularly passive activity, though it does not ask much from me besides guttural reaction.

6

[quote]Headhunter wrote:
Researchers have said that watching television is similar to staring at a blank wall for several hours…

[/quote]

lol

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[quote]skaz05 wrote:
I wonder if the same thing can be said for internet.[/quote]

If your monitor flickers at 8-12 Hz, then more than likely.

I wonder if there’s any way to change your monitor’s flicker rate to give you beta waves.

(Edit: Oops. If your monitor flickers at a rate to cause beta waves.)

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So, even my tv’s alpha!! Sa-weet!!!

Fuck them weak beta wave tv’s.

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[quote]ElbowStrike wrote:
skaz05 wrote:
I wonder if the same thing can be said for internet.

If your monitor flickers at 8-12 Hz, then more than likely.

I wonder if there’s any way to change your monitor’s flicker rate to give you beta waves.

(Edit: Oops. If your monitor flickers at a rate to cause beta waves.)[/quote]

If your monitor refreshed in the alpha range it would be really jerky… TV’s have refresh rate above 30hz and LCD monitors/TVs are usually 60hz+.

There are programs that do make your screen flash different colors at different rates though, typically along with binaural beats, to (at least supposedly) change your brainwaves.