New research finds that TV doesn’t ‘rot your brain’

Tuesday 15 September 2009

Multi-country research conducted by the University of Surrey and University of Illinois has revealed that, far from ‘rotting your brain’, television dramas actually lead to the acquisition of political and behavioural insights among viewers.

A study led by Dr Tereza Capelos and Professor Doris Graber of the Universities of Surrey and Illinois respectively focussed on regular watchers of eight globally-popular drama and comedy programmes; The Simpsons, Family Guy, CSI, The Sopranos, Greys’ Anatomy, ER, Twenty-Four (24) and Lost. Increased awareness of political issues after watching was reported among nearly one in four (24%), a proportion that would equate to tens of millions of viewers worldwide.

A quarter of American participants even went on to say that one or more of these shows had provided information that had changed their political behaviour. This is partly explained by the fact that across all markets an average of 88% of subjects discussed the events, characters or issues of a programme with friends or family, thereby aiding the exchange of political, moral and ethical ideas. The fact that 54% of participants also saw the various shows’ fictional characters as similar to real people means that viewers are often driven to interpret behaviour and reactions in exceptional situations. This in turn leads to increased social and political awareness.

Additionally, an average of one person in five (20%) thought that fictional TV programmes were no less believable than news broadcasts in terms of the information they produced, while a similar proportion (19%) thought that this could be the case in certain circumstances. Increasingly commercialised news content and perceptions of editorial bias are put forward as likely explanations by the researchers.

Dr Tereza Capelos, Lecturer in Politics at the University of Surrey, said: “The results show that, while serving as an entertaining ‘rest’ for the brain, fictional drama and comedy programmes can have a significant impact on the way we see the world. Although most viewers admit watching the shows solely for entertainment, they find themselves acquiring information which enhances their political awareness.”

“While shows like The Simpsons or Lost may never be seen as educational or mind-expanding, the enjoyment and relaxation they provide can make viewers more receptive to new information and ideas, as well as more inclined to think about social and political issues. This has far-reaching relevance to everyone from young people and their educators, to political parties and criminal justice systems.”

Using the collective term of Civic IQ, the study examined the ability of a total of 170 subjects in the USA, Netherlands and Greece to understand politics, recognise political relations in everyday life, and utilise that knowledge to satisfy their own needs. Academics believe the findings will help shed new light on how entertainment enhances understanding of the political world and shapes public opinions and experiences.

As part of the 2009 British Science Festival, which is taking place at the University of Surrey between 5 and 10 September, Dr Capelos will be giving a presentation on the study at Tunsgate Shopping Centre in Guildford. The event is free, open to the public, and takes place between 10am and 2pm.

Media Enquiries

Peter La, Press Office at the University of Surrey, Tel: +44 (0)1483 689191, or Email mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk