Positive correlation between intellect and a love of unintellectual programming?

[jcmcems]

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Dear SDN,

Has anyone else noticed this phenomenon? I work with individuals where the mean academic degree is a PhD and anecdotal evidence has shown that the smarter the individual, the more they like dumb, neuron lysing TV shows.

Does anyone else on here enjoy watching mindless TV, and have a particular favorite? (the dumber the better)

I for one love "Teen Mom" on MTV, and considering last episode when Gary told his teenage girlfriend that its proven that listening to Mozart makes you smarter....I guess its kind of scientific, right? 🙂

 

[Barcu]

Dear SDN,

Has anyone else noticed this phenomenon? I work with individuals where the mean academic degree is a PhD and anecdotal evidence has shown that the smarter the individual, the more they like dumb, neuron lysing TV shows.

Does anyone else on here enjoy watching mindless TV, and have a particular favorite? (the dumber the better)

I for one love "Teen Mom" on MTV, and considering last episode when Gary told his teenage girlfriend that its proven that listening to Mozart makes you smarter....I guess its kind of scientific, right? 🙂

I think that the actual correlation is between being human and liking unintellectual programming.

Those people who come up with TV shows are the real smart people in our society, finding a way to suck in almost every type of person.

 

[Ischemic]

I think that the actual correlation is between being human and liking unintellectual programming.

Those people who come up with TV shows are the real smart people in our society, finding a way to suck in almost every type of person.

I feel that's not necessarily true. It seems that they just do a shotgun approach to most TV programs and they make a lot of the same type (see reality tv shows). Every now and then someone'll break the trend and come up with an original show but then every network will make a clone of that show. However, we are in agreement in the fact that humans are inherently in love with seeing things about themselves and subconsciously take joy in the train wreck of someone else's life. Why else do you subject yourself to someone's misery and pain?

 

[eablackwell]

My favorite shows are Futurama and South Park. I like them because of the witty humor, but I loves me some Project Runway too. 😍

A couple of my mensa chapter buddies are HUGE reality tv fans, but other than the previously mentioned show I tend to find them annoying.

I personally see the writers' strike of a few years ago as a sign of the Apocalypse. 😉

 

[StarryNights]

I really like Jersey Shore...I don't think it gets more unintellectual than that, haha. However, I refuse to admit this to people. But I wouldn't lump myself in the intellectual group either.

 

[bigbad]

Maybe smart people need some time to rest their brains?

 

[DoctaFuture]

jersey shore is extremely stupid, but it's so stupid that it's funny. hilarious.

 

[rhesuspieces]

I tend to get pretty addicted to certain shows and watch entire seasons in a stretch...right now it's Mad Men but in the past it's been Project Runway, America's Next Top Model, Greek...you name it.

Last year when I was studying for the MCAT I would always read Cosmo during the breaks between sections on the practice tests. This might be a coincidence but as soon as I started doing that my score jumped three points. I like to think of trashy magazines as a cold compress for my brain 😛

 

[genswim24]

Maybe smart people need some time to rest their brains?

For me, this is definitely true. After a long day at the library, nothing gets me ready for the next day better than an hour or so of terrible tv. Everyone has their own way to recharge their batteries, it seems like this is ours.

 

[Electronegative]

I watch a lot of History channel, Science channel, and Discovery channel.
Does that mean I'm... 😕

 

[jcmcems]

Maybe smart people need some time to rest their brains?

Exactly! Obviously, I meant my thread to be humorous, however I wonder if there is some biologic basis to your quote, bigbad?

Is it completely unreasonable that a brain that is working harder at making new synapses, remodeling itself, etc, needs more time to rest? It has been shown that the only real correlation between the time spent in non-REM and daily activity is that of mental effort, not physical. It is therefore possible that Jersey Shore, Teen Mom, etc are a kind of awake non-REM sleep state?

Oh and BTW....I LOVE Jersey Shore as well....I can thank my GF for getting me hooked on that...

 

[sedaniel]

jersey shore is extremely stupid, but it's so stupid that it's funny. hilarious.

Agreed... it's like watching a train wreck, I just can't help myself.

I watch a lot of History channel, Science channel, and Discovery channel.
Does that mean I'm... 😕

I watch all of those too, but... Discovery Health ftw.

 

[Electronegative]

Agreed... it's like watching a train wreck, I just can't help myself.



I watch all of those too, but... Discovery Health ftw.

Oprah Winfrey is ruining this country

 

[jcmcems]

I watch a lot of History channel, Science channel, and Discovery channel.
Does that mean I'm... 😕

yes, Electronegative, I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this....this is never easy....but you are....

There is still hope though. Its a radical new treatment out of Sweden, but its worth a shot. I'm willing to have to try it but its not going to be easy. You will need to watch every episode of "Flavor of Love" and "I love New York", followed by "A shot of Love with Tila Tequila". That last one you will have to repeat twice daily for at least 2 weeks, or until symptoms improve.

While I get those to you, if you find yourself on Netflix watching documentaries about World War II aircraft, call 9-1-1 immediately.

 

[Choo]

.

 

[HotGhettoMess]

Jersey Shore is definitely my #1 guilty pleasure at the moment, Thursday nights are the one thing I look forward to in my week.

Oprah Winfrey is ruining this country

My entire universe shattered upon hearing about Discovery Health going under because of her. Fortunately Dr. G: Medical Examiner (one of my all-time favorite shows) will stay on air and move to TLC at least.

 

[chman]

I actually have found that the smartest people I've met don't watch tv. In fact the smartest person I've ever met didn't even own one.

That being said, I guess I'm no genius because I do watch mindless shows sometimes, although I still watch shows like Nova etc.

 

[chman]

I really like Jersey Shore...I don't think it gets more unintellectual than that, haha. However, I refuse to admit this to people. But I wouldn't lump myself in the intellectual group either.

Maybe I'm missing something, but it seems kind of funny to me that that show is so popular because it seems like it is just a version of The Real World with people from NJ.

 

[HotGhettoMess]

Maybe I'm missing something, but it seems kind of funny to me that that show is so popular because it seems like it is just a version of The Real World with people from NJ.

That's essentially what it is. People are so hooked to it because of the laughable mannerisms of typical east coast guidos and guidettes.

 

[jcmcems]

That's essentially what it is. People are so hooked to it because of the laughable mannerisms of typical east coast guidos and guidettes.

Laughable doesn't even begin to do it justice. They are almost guido and guidettes that are guido and guidette impersonators they are so stereotypical. I wouldn't at all be surprised if they are putting on an act for the camera. "The situation" definitely has his moments when you can tell he is showing off by acting stupid for TV.

 

[chman]

Laughable doesn't even begin to do it justice. They are almost guido and guidettes that are guido and guidette impersonators they are so stereotypical. I wouldn't at all be surprised if they are putting on an act for the camera. "The situation" definitely has his moments when you can tell he is showing off by acting stupid for TV.

Well, most reality shows are heavily "scripted."

 

[sedaniel]

Laughable doesn't even begin to do it justice. They are almost guido and guidettes that are guido and guidette impersonators they are so stereotypical. I wouldn't at all be surprised if they are putting on an act for the camera. "The situation" definitely has his moments when you can tell he is showing off by acting stupid for TV.

Yeah it is definitely like that for some of the kids on that show. My friend works for a late-night TV show and met the Situation and said he totally understands that it's a joke that he's even famous, so I figure he can't be that dumb.

 

[deleted74029]

I absolutely fell in love with Yo Gabba Gabba the first time I saw it. Other than that, my tv pretty much stays on the science and history channel.

BTW, it's hard for me to make the statement that I'm of above average intelligence. Seems like a pretentious statement to verbally make, no matter how true. I will say that since I've graduated college I "feel" smarter. The metamorphosis that a person is supposed to go through in college, I feel like that's happened with me during graduate school.

 

[jcmcems]

Yeah it is definitely like that for some of the kids on that show. My friend works for a late-night TV show and met the Situation and said he totally understands that it's a joke that he's even famous, so I figure he can't be that dumb.

Really? Wow. Yeah, he always seemed like the most down to Earth our of the whole cast. Snooki on the other hand needs an intervention....

 

[chman]

Really? Wow. Yeah, he always seemed like the most down to Earth our of the whole cast. Snooki on the other hand needs an intervention....

Unfortunately there are no interventions for stupid people.

 

[VikingLegacy]

baleeted

 

[chman]

The smarter a person is, the more obvious it is to them that television is an insult to the viewer. Throw your television set out the window right now and then smash the pieces into fine powder with a sledgehammer. Between the IQ boost you'll receive from freeing yourself of television's malign fantasy influence and the exercise you'll get from all of that hammering, you may find it to be one of the most rewarding things you've ever done.

When I first moved out of my parents house I remember thinking, "OMG, I don't have a tv, what am I going to do?" I was amazed when I didn't miss it at all.

 

[jcmcems]

The smarter a person is, the more obvious it is to them that television is an insult to the viewer. Throw your television set out the window right now and then smash the pieces into fine powder with a sledgehammer. Between the IQ boost you'll receive from freeing yourself of television's malign fantasy influence and the exercise you'll get from all of that hammering, you may find it to be one of the most rewarding things you've ever done.

I'm confused.....No TV=No Jersey Shore. To exist without TV is to exist without Jersey Shore, and to exist without Jersey Shore is not a possible existence.

If I had no TV, that would mean I would pay more attention to my GF, concentrate on school, find a productive hobby, work-out more....frankly the prospect of any of those frightens and makes me sick.

 

[StarryNights]

Maybe I'm missing something, but it seems kind of funny to me that that show is so popular because it seems like it is just a version of The Real World with people from NJ.

I get pretty shocked by some things they say though. Like the guys and their whole promotion of a Grenade-Free America, lol. I would be so embarrassed if I were some of the girls they bring home, especially with the guys' grenade and zoo-animal comments.

 

[Slowpoke]

I've just recently started watching "Hoarders" on A&E it is really intense

 

[girlofgrace7]

I don't watch much TV (especially now that med school has started and I have no cable), but I have a number of guilty-pleasure shows that I'm ashamed to admit I watch when I'm on school breaks: Project Runway, Tough Love, Top Chef, Next Food Network Star, Greek, any other lame reality show on VH1 or Bravo that I happen to see on (I'm even guilty of watching a little I Love New York).
I need lousy programming to shut down my mind sometimes, but I also enjoy a little history channel or shows like House, Scrubs, Gilmore Girls, Criminal Minds, or Law and Order: SVU (those don't seem QUITE as mindless in my mind).

 

[HotGhettoMess]

My friend works for a late-night TV show and met the Situation and said he totally understands that it's a joke that he's even famous, so I figure he can't be that dumb.

Really? Wow. Yeah, he always seemed like the most down to Earth our of the whole cast.

Maybe I'm giving him too much credit, but it almost seems like he (along w/ Vinny and Pauly D.) are smarter than they let on, but go on with the charade for the sake of entertainment even if it means looking like a stupid pendejo on national television.

I'm even guilty of watching a little I Love New York.

LOL, that girl was a serious hot mess but hilarious to watch.

 

[jcmcems]

I totally agree HGM, Vinny would be my next favorite aside from The Situation. The only guy there that has real issues is Ronnie.

Pauly D even cut out the top of his work hat to fit his hair, I mean if that type of ingenuity isn't criteria for entrance to Ivy league medical colleges, I don't know what is!

 

[Mbeas]

Another Jersey Shore fan here....😳

I was in Seaside Heights this summer and saw them filming Season 3!

But, to all those who think it is sad to like this show, you are right. I just can't help it.

Also, anyone think this season of the Real World is HORRIBLE?

 

[Mbeas]

Dear SDN,
Gary told his teenage girlfriend that its proven that listening to Mozart makes you smarter....I guess its kind of scientific, right? 🙂

yea, he said its proven that you get 50% smarter if you listen to Mozart while doing your homework. Yea right!...maybe he should be listening to Mozart.

 

[kami333]

Maybe I'm giving him too much credit, but it almost seems like he (along w/ Vinny and Pauly D.) are smarter than they let on, but go on with the charade for the sake of entertainment even if it means looking like a stupid pendejo on national television.

That pendejo is on track to clear $5million this year (appearance fees + endorsements).

 

[jcmcems]

yea, he said its proven that you get 50% smarter if you listen to Mozart while doing your homework. Yea right!...maybe he should be listening to Mozart.

Yeah that's right! He wouldnt just need to listen to Mozart, he would need ot learn to play all his music, read everything written by him and exhume and eat his corpse...only then would he have the mental capacities of larval Drosophila.

 

[Gwsmyda]

I LOVE BIG BROTHER! 😎😎😎 (on CBS, that is)

 

[fizzgig]

There is still hope though. Its a radical new treatment out of Sweden, but its worth a shot. I'm willing to have to try it but its not going to be easy. You will need to watch every episode of "Flavor of Love" and "I love New York", followed by "A shot of Love with Tila Tequila". That last one you will have to repeat twice daily for at least 2 weeks, or until symptoms improve.

wow. the definition of torture hahaha....


i think my only truly shameful show i watch sometimes is jerseylicious, which is i guess jersey shore in a hair salon. it is like watching the learning channel though in my opinion - i feel like i'm watching a documentary about some secluded jungle culture.

other than that i really enjoy scrubs. i get 'serious and important' enough when thinking about my day or the future or whatever. when i sit down to eat i want slapstick comedy!

 

[jcmcems]

wow. the definition of torture hahaha....


i think my only truly shameful show i watch sometimes is jerseylicious, which is i guess jersey shore in a hair salon. it is like watching the learning channel though in my opinion - i feel like i'm watching a documentary about some secluded jungle culture.

other than that i really enjoy scrubs. i get 'serious and important' enough when thinking about my day or the future or whatever. when i sit down to eat i want slapstick comedy!

Ooooh, Jerseylicious. I'm intrigued. Is it mindnumbing and neuron lysing? Effective in vivo lysis of neural tissue is paramount. What channel is it on?

 

[fizzgig]

Ooooh, Jerseylicious. I'm intrigued. Is it mindnumbing and neuron lysing? Effective in vivo lysis of neural tissue is paramount. What channel is it on?

ohhh indeed it is. i keep having to ask myself (and my roommate from NY) if people are really like this, ever?! hahaha.. i had to check, i think it's on the style channel? go, go forth, and drop IQ points haha...