People who leave the TV on in the background while they do other tasks usually display these 7 behaviors, according to psychology

There’s an interesting link between one’s behavior and the seemingly insignificant habit of leaving the TV on in the background.

Call it white noise, a distraction, or a comforting presence, keeping the television on while multitasking is a common practice for many.

But did you know that this habit can reveal certain behavioral traits about you? According to psychology, those who indulge in this routine usually exhibit specific behaviors.

Intrigued? Well, let’s dive into what these behaviors might be. 

1) Comfort seekers

First off, let’s talk about those who crave a sense of comfort and familiarity.

Psychologists suggest that people who leave the TV on in the background while carrying out other tasks often do so because they find it comforting. It’s a habit that provides a sense of normalcy and routine.

Interestingly, this behavior is also associated with a high need for cognitive stimulation. These individuals appreciate the constant buzz of information, even if they aren’t actively paying attention to it.

The TV serves as a familiar background noise, creating an environment of perceived company and reducing feelings of loneliness. This creates a safe space that many find soothing while performing other tasks.

2) Multitaskers

Now, let’s move on to the multitaskers. And I’ll confess, I’m one of them!

From a psychological perspective, people who leave the TV on while doing other tasks often display a tendency towards multitasking. They might work on their laptop, cook dinner, or clean the house, all with the TV playing in the background.

For me personally, it’s always been about maintaining a rhythm. The chatter from the television somehow helps me keep my pace while I’m juggling multiple tasks. It’s like a beat that keeps me moving.

So, if you’re like me and often find yourself handling multiple tasks with the TV buzzing in the background, it might just be your brain’s unique way of staying engaged and productive!

3) Sensory seekers

There’s a group of people who prefer to have the TV on as they go about their day, and these are the sensory seekers. Psychology tells us that these people have a high sensory threshold and need more stimulation to keep their minds active.

And here’s something you might not know: the sound of human conversation, even if it’s just from a TV show, can trick our brain into feeling like we’re part of a social situation.

This sense of social participation can be a powerful motivator for sensory seekers to keep the TV on, even when they’re not actively watching it.

The TV acts as a constant source of auditory and visual stimuli, keeping their senses engaged and their minds alert. So, if you always have the TV on in the background, you might just be a sensory seeker.

4) Procrastinators

Another behavior often associated with keeping the TV on in the background is procrastination. Some people use the television as a means to delay or avoid certain tasks.

The logic is simple. The TV serves as a distraction, providing an easy escape from tasks that may seem daunting or tedious.

Focusing on the noise from the television can temporarily distract one from responsibilities or decisions that need to be made.

5) Emotional regulators

There was a time when I found myself going through a particularly rough patch. The world outside was too overwhelming, and I needed something to help me regulate my emotions, to provide some sense of control.

That’s when I noticed my tendency to keep the TV on, even when I wasn’t watching it. The familiar voices from my favorite shows provided a sense of comfort and predictability that I desperately needed.

This behavior is not uncommon.Some people use the television as a form of emotional regulation. The constant noise can help create a buffer against negative emotions or stress, offering a form of comfort and stability.

6) Creativity boosters

A surprising behavior linked to keeping the TV on in the background is a boost in creativity. Yes, you heard it right!

A moderate level of ambient noise, like the chatter from a television, can actually stimulate creative cognition. Such noise promotes abstract thinking, helping us think creatively.

So, if you’re someone who often finds inspiration striking while the TV hums in the background, there’s a good reason for it. Your brain might just be harnessing that background noise to fuel your creativity.

Who knew the TV could be so instrumental in our creative process?

7) Habitual background TV users

Now, here’s the big one. When it comes to leaving the TV on in the background, it can simply be a habit for some people.

Habitual behaviors are actions we perform automatically, often without much conscious thought. These habits form through repetition and can be very resistant to change.

So, if you always have the TV on and can’t quite put your finger on why, it could simply be that you’ve developed a habit. It’s become part of your routine, and like any habit, it can be challenging to break.

But remember, understanding why we do what we do is half the battle. Once we understand our habits, we’re in a much better position to change them if we choose to.

Final thoughts

The habit of leaving the TV on in the background while going about other tasks is one that speaks volumes about our desire for sensory engagement, companionship, comfort, and continuity.

This seemingly mundane activity could be a manifestation of our brain’s constant need for stimulation or a coping mechanism to regulate our emotions.

Or, it could simply be a deeply ingrained habit that’s become part of our daily routine.

Regardless of the reasoning, this behavior is undeniably human. It’s emblematic of our need to engage with the world around us, even when we’re focused on the task at hand.

So, the next time you reach for the remote to fill the silence as you go about your day, take a moment to reflect on what that action might be saying about you.

Understanding these small facets of our behavior can often lead to profound self-awareness and growth.