Look closely into the eyes of anyone ‘glued to the TV’ and you might see zombie eyes or a distracted expression. Television is made to attract attention and keep it there. Everyone knows that watching TV is relaxing. It closes off the rest of our crazy world and allows us to retire to another place. But did you know that your brain waves are actually altered when you watch TV?

Your brain actually goes into an alpha wave state, a relaxed state where you become less alert and more passive. This state is somewhat comparable to hypnosis, and it doesn’t end when you turn off the tube.

Most likely, the culprits are the cathode ray tubes in the television monitor, which produce a flicker that the conscious mind does not detect.

according to a american scientist survey, “participants commonly reflect that television has somehow absorbed or sucked their energy, leaving them drained. They say they have more difficulty concentrating after watching it than before.”

In the 1980s, researchers in Australia found that the left brain “went to sleep” once the television was turned on, as the right brain was busy storing information in the memory bank. As the right side of your brain is duly absorbing all the images, your left brain, which is responsible for critical analysis, has fallen asleep in a stupor. This makes it difficult to analyze what you see on TV.

These studies have profound implications for news viewing and other forms of educational television. At best, what you learn on TV is like learning in your sleep. That can be of some benefit to commercial producers who want to sell you something: Have you ever seen a commercial for a delicious meal at your favorite restaurant and suddenly felt very hungry?

The research concluded that for topics that require careful thought and analysis, television is practically useless. It is more effective to read newspapers to learn about world events than to watch them on a television screen.

Does TV rot your brain? Up to you. If watching TV really does make you more passive and therefore susceptible to “programming,” then it’s a good idea to limit the amount of time you spend watching TV.

Trade your TV time for a beneficial activity like: reading something uplifting and inspiring, getting some exercise, listening to your favorite music, or meditating. You’ll feel better and your brain will thank you!