Does Tivo train bad habits?

A number of times in the last few weeks I've found myself wishing I could rewind the radio in my car and I know why.

We have the local cable version of Tivo at our house. I love it because it makes recording shows I love (The Office, Mad Men, Entourage) really easy. But an even better feature is the "rewind" option. No matter whether the show is in real-time or recorded, if I get distracted even for a moment, I can rewind the program and catch what I missed.

It's a little like re-reading the same page you just read but didn't really read because you were thinking about something else. Or vaguely hearing someone talking but not paying attention and then asking them to repeat themselves. Neither of those are new issues. It's the age-old battle between focus vs. multitasking. Focus is good and multitasking is counterproductive. And electronic features like Tivo, if not handled thoughtfully, can help build a habit of inattention.

I'm making an effort to use the "rewind" less because if the show was worth my time in the first place, I should be paying attention. If it's not worth paying attention to, then I should turn off the TV and do something related to whatever is distracting me. Focus is a habit to improve upon every day. Because the better we get at it, the better able we are to handle the endless onslaught of demands on our attention.

Comments

[Nancy Bunker Koester]

Mary, I've had the same thought -- why can't I rewind the radio? Caused by the same condition -- Dish Network's rewind function. And you're right: If it's important enough to watch, it's important enough to listen.

Listening is truly a lost art ... and yet one of the most important communication skills any of us can have!

Blame it on TV. Blame it on your kids. Blame it on ... yourself?

Ahhh, got your attention now.

Have a great night, listen, and pay attention out there!

Nancy BK