Television conversation questions

Television

 * It seems that - in many houses - even if the TV is on, people are frequently not watching it. It simply fades into the background. Does this happen in your house? What do you think of this practice?
 * What sort of things do you do while the TV is on (apart from watching the TV)?
 * How much television do you watch? Can you quantify it in hours per day?
 * What are the positive things about watching TV?

Programmes

 * What types of programme do you watch?
 * Do you watch the news on just one channel or on various channels? Which do you think is best way to watch?
 * What types of documentaries do you like to watch?
 * What are your favourite types of film on TV?
 * What is your opinion of reality shows like "Big Brother"?
 * Do you watch TV talent shows? What is your opinion of these?
 * Many people, when asked, say that they only watch news and documentaries. Do you think they are telling the truth?

Remote control

 * Do you only watch one channel or do you switch between various ones at the same time? (Channel hop)
 * Who controls the remote control in your house?
 * How many remote controls do you have in your house? What devices do they control?

TV effects?

 * Do you think it is possible to watch “too much” television? How much is "too much"?
 * In the past, parents used to worry that children might damage their eyes reading books. Later they were concerned that they spent too much time watching the TV, and now they worry that they spend too much time on the net. Does it really matter how much time children spend doing these things?
 * Assuming it is a problem – how could children be persuaded to spend less time watching TV? Consider these possibilities:
 * Increase the number of advertisements
 * improve the quality of video games
 * encourage them to play in the street
 * Can you think of any others?
 * The television is often blamed for children's bad behaviour or for generating violence in society. What is your opinion on this?
 * The human race has been violent for centuries. What caused violence before television and video games?
 * It seems that many children now have TVs in their bedrooms. Do you think this is a good idea?  Why/why not?
 * A recent report suggests that over a quarter of five-to six-year-old children own their own PC or laptop. Does this surprise you?  Do you think it’s a good idea?