Read the press release here: http://www.otago.ac.nz/news/news/otago042140.htmlExcessive TV in childhood linked to long-term antisocial behaviour
Children and adolescents who watch a lot of television are more likely to manifest antisocial and criminal behaviour when they become adults, according to a new University of Otago study published online in the US journal Pediatrics.
The study followed a group of around 1000 children born in Dunedin in 1972-73. Every two years between the ages of 5 and 15, they were asked how much television they watched. Those who watched more television were more likely to have a criminal conviction and were also more likely to have antisocial personality traits in adulthood.
One of the most interesting bit about this study, is that "the relationship between TV viewing and antisocial behaviour was not explained by socio-economic status, aggressive or antisocial behaviour in early childhood, or parenting factors". In other words, here is a solid study that establishes an undeniable link between television watching and an increase chance of having several negative personality traits as an adult.