To Watch TV--Or Not???

There have been studies done which showed that people who were mildly depressed [and/or had other minor, mental health issues?] were able to benefit by watching television.--It was good for them! On the other hand, studies have shown that children and youths who spend a high percentage of time watching TV are more prone to depression later on! Is there a balance? I think so--the same as in most things in life! *** As far as Christian values go, a founder of my church said it's better to avoid fiction, if possible; but if people can't do so, they should at least try to benefit from it--to learn something. And in my view, the ultimate purpose of art, in general, is to give people something worthwhile to think about! There's a certain value in relaxation, humour, and diversion, etc., but those things alone may not go far. We don't all start off at the same level of intelligence or experience, but we can evaluate whether or not we're getting something constructive from our entertainment? There are many positive themes including history, travel, and human experience. The more true to life a story is, the more worthwhile it is, I'd say. *** When I was in my last year of high school, our English teacher read us a quotation which said, "The immature reader expects a happy ending!" It made me feel disappointed, at the time, because I liked happy endings! But I began to realize sad endings reflected on reality. Literature or film literature can give us something different to think about than what we might have otherwise thought of! [Not that people have to turn to fiction literature for inspiration!--There's plenty elsewhere, if it's what a person wants.]