In late 2018, I came across an article by Marketwatch in which they shared the chilling research findings that the average American spends a total of 77 hours each week volitionally staring into a screen for such things as television, videos, gaming, social media and the like. Over 34 hours alone are spent watching TV! I considered it both equally shocking and revolting that we Americans have created what amounts to 2 full-time jobs for ourselves engaging in electronic media.
It also made my apply a certain degree of scrutiny to my own electronic habits. Was I, like the rest of the U.S., mindlessly swiping, binging and clicking the precious moments of my life away? This then led me to conduct my Total Blackout Project where I attempted to live a modern life without a screen for 30 days. Following the success of that experiment, I decided to monitor and track all of my media time in 2020, specifically tracking TV, News, Video, Films and Reading. Each month I collated and published this data on Twitter as a “Monthly Media Memo” post.
Having collected a year’s worth of personal data, I now have a far keener insight into my habits and overall media consumption in early retirement. Let’s examine each category starting ascending order.
TV PARTY TONIGHT!
Regular readers are well aware that I don’t particularly like TV and, as such, don’t really watch it. I fully acknowledge that I have some factory defect whereby I am unable to be mentally idle. As a result, I have never really experienced the joy of passive activity or the bliss or vegging out. In fact, unless I find the subject matter intensely interesting, watching TV or even movies gets me incredibly agitated. It’s actually quite comical to plop me in front of a screen and observe my behavior. That said, I did end up watching a bit of TV this year.
Rick & Morty – The only TV show I truly enjoy. I waited months for Season 4 and watched 3 episodes so far. Justin Roiland & Dan Harmon are genius and hilarious. What I like most is, just like every Fates On Fire article, they embed popular culture and literary Easter eggs in every episode* which, for me, interjects a bit of intellectual stimulation trying to find them all.
Escape to the Country – This long-running BBC reality/property buying show is a favorite of my parents. During the time I stayed with them when moving, this show was on heavy rotation and I watched about 3.5 hours of it.
TOTAL 2020 TV TIME: 4.5 HOURS
THE CINEMA EYE
I’ve always preferred film over television, but still don’t watch many of them. I generally enjoy documentaries and those that are music-oriented. I have a list of about 20 I’m interested in, but never seem to get around to them as the allure of the books seems to always take precedence. Nevertheless, I did squeeze in a couple of flicks.
Nick Cave: Alone at the Alexandra Palace – A beautifully filmed & recorded live solo performance by Nick Cave with stripped down versions of songs throughout his catalog.
Spiritual Cramp – A documentary on the life my friend, music artist Rozz Williams who passed away. The rush of memories made this difficult to for me watch at times, but I’m grateful that this film was finally made.
Bill & Ted Face the Music – I would never miss a Wyld Stallyns reunion! A rare treat in that I actually saw this on the silver screen at my little town’s historic movie theater.
One More Time with Feeling – A documentary on the making of “Skeleton Tree” by Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds set amid the melancholic atmosphere of the recent accidental death of Cave’s son.
TOTAL 2020 FILM TIME: 7 HOURS
FIVE MORE MINUTES AND WE’LL ALL BE DEAD
Imbecilic blowhards discussing other imbecilic blowhards? An incessant barrage of ‘breaking stories’ and headlines informing us that in five more minutes we’ll all be dead? Fuck that shit. I stopped with The News decades ago. With a 34% increase in the U.S. suicide rate the over the last 10 years, no one needs this nauseating, exhausting depression-fest.
However, 2020 was certainly an anomaly what with a global pandemic, a market meltdown and a presidential election. As such, I probably read more news this year than in the past 5 years combined – about 30 minutes a week. It peaked when the markets started to free-fall while the COVID situation was rapidly unfolding until the national rioting during in Summer. By that point, I simply could not endure any more and effectively shut it all out with the exception of reading the CDC emails and checking the market data once a week and looking at local/national/international COVID numbers twice a month. I did tune back in quickly on November 4th and back out on the 5th when it was clear who won the election.
TOTAL 2020 NEWS TIME: 28.5 HOURS
EVERYTHING LOOKS BEAUTIFUL ON VIDEO
Most surprising for me was the amount of videos I watched on You Tube. I began to follow a couple of board game-oriented channels this year, all of whom have regular weekly (or more) videos. And while I don’t watch every single one, I watch way more than I ever have. I’ve also been checking out some live, rare performances by bands I like as a source of inspiration for my new music project. Overall, I ended up spending about an hour a week, with my viewing habit peaking during the Summer when I actively retreated to learning about new games and rocking out as opposed to hearing about the world’s imminent demise.
TOTAL 2020 VIDEO TIME: 52 HOURS
SLEEP IS GOOD, BOOKS ARE BETTER
As of December 22, I’ve read 202 books in 2020. That translates to one book every 42 hours or so. That certainly sounds like a lot and I guess that it is. However, what I find even stranger is that, in the context of average TV hours, I’m actually a lightweight reader. If I read the same 35 hours a week that the we Americans watch TV, I’d actually be reading over 300 books a year. It would be over 600 if I used the entire 77 hours referenced in the Marketwatch article. Now that’s certainly some perspective.
Clearly, reading is my primary form of media engagement. As it’s a mentally active endeavor, it doesn’t trip my “idle/aggro switch” – quite it opposite in fact. Reading is how I relax. It’s a way of “doing” while, physically, not doing. It’s also a healthy way for my overly active mind to medicate itself. With reading, I can simultaneously get lost in a good story, assess the quality of the writing, look for references, think ahead about where the plot is going, and dissect and appreciate the craft. All of this while I am lying still and steeped in quietude. And I can lose lots of otherwise good sleep while doing so. Much like playing music, reading, just seems to work for me.
TOTAL 2020 BOOKS: 202
THOUGHTS & REFLECTIONS
First off, with the exception of The News, my intent is not to belittle or champion any of the above forms of media or imply that any one is better than any other. We each get the same thing; we each get a lifetime. Everyone should invest their time however they damn well please – that is the joy and beauty of living.
In looking back at my cumulative media engagement time and types, it is certainly interesting. So much so, that I will continue it in 2021 and perhaps add a few other areas that occupy good amounts of my time like outdoor activities, board gaming, playing music, etc. It will make for a nice year-over year comparison
For 2021, I’d like to see the news category drop precipitously. After 2020, I think we can all stand a more quiet year. Conversely, I’d like to watch more movies and make a dent in my list. Hopefully, I can check a few out in actual theaters. This may come as a surprise, but I’d like to read less. I think 150-180 books is a decent, more balanced cadence. Last, but not least, is keeping a measured eye on YouTube. I can see how one can easily spiral out of control there.
And with that, so ends 2020. Happy holidays and here’s to a great 2021. See you in the new year!
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you track your media habits? If so, were are you spending most of your time? What would you like to do more or less of, if anything? As always, I’d love to hear your comments.
*For example, this very article contains 8 Easter eggs that reference music, film & literature. Catch any?
Awww yeah! Thanks for the shout out Ms. Katie! It really is a great show, particularly if you’re into the UK countryside. Happy New Year!
Interesting, I have the same reaction as you when I watch certain movies and TV – a switch flips if I’m not engaged and I have to turn it off (or walk away if someone else is watching). Here i thought it was just me. Have you diagnosed this? Is this a form of ADD? I too gravitate to documentaries and you tube (but when you can select topics, this does become a million channel rabbit hole).
Hey Phil and thanks for the comment! Nice to know I’m not the only one either. My personal diagnosis is that, as a “Doer”, I make a shitty “Spectator.” For example I have the same reaction when watching sports, even live sports, but never when I’m playing sports. Who knows though.
Yeah, that YouTube can be deadly. The other day I caught myself watching reviews for games I have zero interest in. Huh? Pulled myself out before I started sprinting down that dark hole.
Enjoy the holidays and Happy 2021!
Escape to the Country?!?! That’s been my addiction since discovering it this year! During lockdown, I used it as my way to “escape” the city and “travel.” I love England and studied abroad there 20 years ago, so it’s pure joy for me to watch the show and learn more about the geography, history, and beautiful little villages. I rave about this show, but everyone thinks I’m crazy when I talk about it. My boyfriend thinks it’s awful, but I find it fascinating. Okay. My enthusiasm is probably over-the-too, but it goes right along with my love of English literature which is sorely suffering these days.
I spent far too much time on YouTube viewing this year, including watching the daily White House briefings on COVID because the news failed to deliver accurate reporting on those briefings.
Other than that, I binged a few one-season Netflix shows during the miserable lockdown weather (we had endless rain and bitterly cold weather during lockdown). Then I tired of that. Very little holds my attention that long. The last time I binged a series was when I was sick for a few days 2 or 3 years ago.
Other that that, I’m with you on enjoying life away from a screen as much as possible, though I find I’m not as screen-free as I’d like to be. Here’s to holding each other accountable for staying away from our screens more in the coming years.
Hah! Another “Escape” fanatic. My folks would love you. I don’t like reality shows or property shows, but I love the UK, so it was easy to watch a bunch. I can see why it’s been on as long as it has. It sure beats “Real Housewives of Essex.”
Good idea on watching the “primary source” news material on YT. That would never have occurred to me, so thanks.
I’m still working my way through Rick & Morty so maybe I’m a slow binger if that’s a thing.
Anyway, thanks for the comment and have a wonderful day and New Years!
P.S. Your flash fiction piece will be in your inbox on the 31st to ring out 2020 with a little silly humor.
My life improved dramatically when I cut cable about 9 years ago. All that time I wasted on garbage. The only streaming service I have is Amazon Prime which I initially got for the shipping. I allow myself 30 minutes max of watching time per day, usually before I go to bed. Sometimes I go days without watching anything.
Life’s too short
Perfectly stated. Life is definitely too short. 30 mins seems like a nice balanced approach to me. Thanks for the comments as always, Dave and enjoy the holidays. Here’s to a great 2021!
Impressive numbers Mr. Fate.
I do not track my media consumption, but am aware that I spend WAY too much time in front of screens. For me, it’s mostly the computer for work. I’m pretty good on putting the phone down, and like you, don’t watch much TV. My TV is usually just shows here and there binge streamed – which I will add, Queen’s Gambit is probably the first show in a very long time that I haven’t been disappointed with.
This pandemic has kick started my reading big time. I think I read maybe 1 or 2 books during 2019 – why so little, I don’t know. I just didn’t have the motivation and was burnt out with work. Then for 2020 I’m probably around 30 books. It’s a lot easier finding time to read now that I work from home and don’t have that soul sucking commute.
And news, I’m still hooked. I agree not much good ever comes from it, but I always start every morning scanning LA times headlines and the financial news. As long as I work, it’s just an instilled bad habit. Plus, since I’m still in the accumulation phase, I like to know what is going on.
Hey Q-Fi and thanks for stopping by. I’ll have to check out the Queen’s Gambit. I’m also interested in the Mandalorian since I’m a Star Wars nerd. Good on you for ramping up the reading. Lots of great stuff out there. You must have an iron constitution to handle The News. Like I said, I checked out 20+ years ago and just keep up with some of the relevant financial stuff.
Enjoy the holidays and catch you in 2021!
I am very envious of your reading numbers, holy cow! And I set a “lofty” goal for 24 books next year. I should start tracking my time on the computer/phone. Becoming more of a screen addict than I’d like (one reason I don’t use a Kindle–another screen!).
Hey there IF and thanks for the comment. 24 books for 2021 will be no problem for you. The only challenge will be what to read since there’s so much great stuff out there. I’d definitely recommend tracking your non-work screen time, if even only for a month. I found it a pretty fascinating exercise and will definitely continue in 2021.
Hope your holidays are greet and here’s to a better 2021!
I’m so amazed and a bit jealous that you only have 4.5 hours of tv this year!! Bravo Mr. Fate. I too worry about the effects of all this constant screen time. I’m really curious about your Black Out Project which I’m going to read after this. This sounds like something right up my alley. I like to randomly take breaks from things I like just to test my discipline ie. facebook, alcohol, coffee, news, marijuana…sometimes for months or years. Due to work I can’t take a screen break, but you give me something to look forward to experimenting with in early retirement.
My tv time is mostly watching sports and if I can sneak it in on a Saturday morning–play video games on my PS4. I play quick games I can easily jump in and out of for a 20 minute jaunts like FIFA soccer or Battlefield–quick way to zen out for me. I watch PBS news hour or BBC news in the evenings for an hour as that real news and not frustrating commentary like the networks dole out. I’ve only read about 10 or so books this year. I love fiction: literature, sci-fi, fantasy mostly. If there’s a way to slow down life and live “longer” it’s definitely less screen time.
Happy Holidays to you as well!
Hey Noel – thanks for the comment. Yeah, it’s definitely worth tracking your screen time – very eye opening. If you can do even a one week non-work blackout, it will certainly be worth it. I had no idea how hard it would actually be, but loved it and really changed my behaviors. A good way to “test your discipline” as you say.
Enjoy those tacos and tamales on Friday and here’s to a great 2021!
we watch plenty of tv which is mostly sports. i’m a bit of a sports junkie. you said it best when you said we all get the same thing: a lifetime. i agree wholeheartedly about the news being total crap. i catch a few minutes of mrs. smidlap’s network morning “news” show when i put on my shoes before work and it makes me cringe. one thing i rarely partake in is the youtube viewing. i’ve also been reading more as i get older and go to bed early. i think i tackled about 15 books this year which are mostly old-ish fiction by good writers.
i found only 2 easter eggs with the black flag and the stranglers. i almost forgot how much i enjoy the stranglers so i appreciate that. i’ll be interested to see how the new year stacks up.
Hey Freddy and thanks for catching 2 of the best Easter eggs in the article! Yeah, if there was some source of seeing great music on TV, I be way over 35 hours a week, that’s for sure. Yep, The News is just pathetic. The 4th estate died long ago and is now nothing more than a Doom-Oriented Sensationalism Machine. Oh well. Still waiting to read the Kim Gordon book btw. It must be good as the hold on the library e-book is seemingly forever.
Anywho, enjoy the low-key Xmas and hope the roast turns out wonderfully!