I like this idea.
I wonder, maybe we don't want to be engaged in the continious conflicts
normally associated with group dynamics but do want a feeling of participation.
TV allows you to watch other people in "life" without actually having to be
there yourself; you can poick your nose in front of the TV and nobody cares.
What I think is ironic is TV watching parties. When I was an undergraduate
everything would die about 7:30 on Wednesdays becuase that's when "Beverly
Hills 90210" came on. I remember walking into my living room to see 15 people,
beer, popcorn, chips and pretzels...and one TV. Everyone sat in rapt silence.
Of course, maybe that is just the same as theater, or the movies.
I don't think we've lost our ability to communicate socially recently, I think
we are always looking for new ways to express and partake of it.
Reed
konsler@ascat.harvard.edu