Why do people feel the need to talk while watching television?
By syramoon
@syramoon (654)
United States
June 2, 2012 12:17am CST
I've never understood this. Maybe because I don't watch television very often, but when I'm actually watching television, I don't talk and I don't want to have a conversation with anyone. I'm watching television, lost in the show. This time is something slightly different, I had spent the day with my friend's mom, and needed to get some work done online, and she was really cool about it, and said she'd just watch some television while I got those things done. So I was thankful, that she would be occupied, while I made a few bucks. But she turned the television on, was quiet for a few moments and then started up a conversation with me while watching television. I don't know about you guys, but when I'm working or myloting I'm quiet, well not conversational with those around me while I'm doing it at least, but she kept talking and talking. And I finally I asked "I thought you were going to watch television,mama?' And she said "I am." Then proceeded to tell me everything going on in the show she was watching. I just blinked. Do you talk while watching television? Do people who talk while watching television annoy you? And most of all why do people feel the need to talk and watch television at the same time? To me it's just too many noises going at once.
2 people like this
14 responses
@allyoftherain (7208)
• United States
2 Jun 12
I don't tend to hold conversations on other subjects, but I do typically talk when I'm watching something... usually about what I'm watching. I make comments on the characters, theorize on what's going to happen next, make snarky remarks about the quality of the filmmaking (I watch LOADS of low-budget movies, and this just tends to be how I enjoy them so much. lol), etc. etc. I can't multitask with much else though, so no trying to type on my computer or anything.
@allyoftherain (7208)
• United States
4 Jun 12
LOL that does sound like fun. I wish I could have been there for that. 
@syramoon (654)
• United States
3 Jun 12
Now during something like that I would most likely find enjoyment in making fun of certain aspects of it too. lol
I do enjoy certain comments. Like the other day when we were watching The Woman in Black and Daniel Radcliffe's character Aurthur was exploring the 'scary' house with a candle my friend says "I keep waiting for him to pull out his wand, or happen upon dementors or something. It's all a ploy and the second rise of Voldermort!" I almost fell off my chair.
1 person likes this
@redhotpogo (4401)
• United States
2 Jun 12
I don't know, but it annoys me so much. It's hard to pay attention to what's happening on the t.v. and listen to them at the same time. I'm like hey why couldn't you tell me this before we started watching. Luckily I don't watch much t.v just movies, so I usually will pause it and let them go on. And if they keep talking once I've started it again I'll tell them to be quiet.
@redhotpogo (4401)
• United States
3 Jun 12
And it's never something important. They act like it is, but when you hear it you're like "oh wtf I stopped to listen to this? Shut up already."
@lady1993 (27224)
• Philippines
2 Jun 12
Yes, i love to talk while watching television, especially soap operas.. commenting about the place,the characters, the stupid things the protagonist does..
But when watching a movie, i don't want to talk since i focus on the story.. especially those hard to understand movies, sci fi and mystery, i have to pay full attention to really get it.
But when watching a movie, i don't want to talk since i focus on the story.. especially those hard to understand movies, sci fi and mystery, i have to pay full attention to really get it. @syramoon (654)
• United States
2 Jun 12
It's one thing if it's soaps or sitcoms and you're making a comment here and there like "I can't believe he did that!" or even the "No, no! Don't go there!" During a scary movie. But to except me to hold a conversation and watch at the same time just drives me nuts. lol
@bjc66bjc (6730)
• United States
2 Jun 12
hi syramoon, its funny you should ask that...Yes I do find it really
annoyng for someone to chat with/at me while I am watching tv. I hate
to be rude but some people who do it are just not aware that you are
really into the TV so much...they think 2 ears/2 conversations...lol
I have even missed the end of a show because of being on the phone and
not wanting to be rude...
@obey39 (125)
• China
2 Jun 12
hello, my friend.I am quite understand your feeling towards the noise from your parents and friends when you are watching Television.Brutally speaking, I like to chat with my friends when watching TV.At that moment,I would like to exchange my views and opinions with them, while they are glad to make feedback to me as a return.During this period, our interaction is worthwhile.
So my viewpoint is that I like to chat with others when watching TV on the basis that their opinions.voice is very sound but valuable.And then we could share our views in common.This is a good practice
Do you agree with me?
@chiyosan (30183)
• Philippines
2 Jun 12
I guess you are not talking about me, then. ha ha well i am not one of those people who does want to talk while watching tv.. i am one of those who concentrates on what i watch and i enjoy every bit of the show especially if it really interests me. I know sometimes i would be talking on something - related to the show if i want to clarify something but not really talk over something or unrelated matter while watching a show.
@apoljuice1 (730)
• Philippines
2 Jun 12
LOL. this used to be my husband's pet peeve when we were still going out. I had a lot to say back then, so whenever we watched a movie, I would make plenty of side comments. And when a scene reminded me of something, I would try and talk to him about it. He hated when I did that, and would get irritated at the simple yelps or the smallest side comments I made. He said he couldn't concentrate and he hated being spoken to when he was so into the movie. I never understood then why he minded so much because I can still concentrate on the movie. But as time went by, I learned to keep quiet while watching a movie. And now, he's the one who has a lot to say while we're watching a movie or when we're watching TV! It irritates me now because I want to understand what's going on, and this time when he sees a scene that renminds him of something, he starts talking about it. So, yes I do mind now when I'm being spoken to while watching tv, or a movie!
@Dominique25 (9464)
• United States
2 Jun 12
My husband and i talk every now and then when we are watching something. Often times it's because we want to guess what is happening. It can be annoying when people talk all the time throughout a movie and when it's one of those movies that you have to pay attention to. But if it's every now and then that someone is talking it doesn't bother me.
@Mashnn (4501)
•
2 Jun 12
Unless I am watching a game or something that I need to support someone. I would sometimes find myself getting into the game but I rarely talk if I am watching other programs.
@mickeyb123 (117)
• United States
2 Jun 12
syramoon,
I know what you mean. When I am finally watching something, I just want to veg out. I am involved in the show or movie and want to know what is going on. My hearing is not very good, anyway, so I need to concentrate.
It doesn't bother me when I am typing because I can ignore them all day if need be, however, watching TV is something else.
I know that some people, such as my son, wants to let me know they have seen this before or they want to fill me in on everything they know about what is going on. I don't want their impression: I want my own!
@gelomon (286)
• Philippines
2 Jun 12
watching television is really fun and sometimes annoying if we are carried away by our emotions. Sometimes I experience my self carried away by what I am watching, I feel like I am in the show too and I talk like I am in there. Sometimes when watching I also get angry and shout at the television. But that is normal.
@adorablelucia82 (91)
•
2 Jun 12
Hehehe, yeah I don't like also to have a conversation while watching television, I feel like I don't understand what I am watching and can't concentrate. It annoys me also.
@galfromct (2)
• United States
2 Jun 12
I can relate to your frustration. I don't watch alot of tv and when I do I consider it downtime and want quiet, so I can relax and veg out. However, I do not live alone and members love to notice I'm just watching tv and start chatting with me. When this happens I remind myself that people are more important than television. I will hit the pause button during the conversation. Also, remember just because someone talks doesn't mean you have to listen. Maybe you are in your zone typing and don't even hear them. If they notice and mind you aren't listening they will speak up and get your attention. Another strategy is to wear headphones. This way it appears you cannot hear them. Whether you are actually listening to something or not they do not have to know. When all else fails, politely state," Right now you are speaking to me and although I would love to have a conversation with you, I need to get this done and I need quiet. When I am done I would love to spend time with you and talk. Do you think you can not talk while I finish this and we can talk when I'm done?" Works like a charm every time ;)
