Is Watching TV In The Dark Bad For You?
Short answer
Contrary to popular belief, watching TV in the dark does not cause any long-term damage. Short-term, however, it can cause eye strain and problems associated thereof.
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Watching TV in the dark really isn't bad for your overall health, but it isn't good either. While it won't cause any permanent damage to your eyes or weaken your eyesight, watching TV in the dark can still cause some temporary problems stemming from eye strain.
When the eyes have to constantly adjust to changing lightening instigated by the contrast of a dark room with a bright screen, it forces the muscles in the eyes to work harder. Also, in a dark room, people focus more intently on the television screen, causing less blinking. These factors combine to produce eye strain. Eye strain can cause headaches, fatigue, and blurry vision.
If you have your heart set on watching TV in a dark room (perhaps you want to enhance the effects of a horror movie), then go ahead and do so - the worst that will happen is your eyes will hurt and you'll have to close them. Better yet, you can avoid eyestrain by being sure to take periodic breaks from staring at the screen and blinking on purpose. Closing your eyes for a couple minutes at a time can also be helpful.
All in all, watching TV in the dark can cause eye strain and its associated problems. Other than that, it's perfectly safe and shouldn't be a cause for concern - that is, unless you are watching the video from Ringu.
Possible short-term side effects
- eye strain
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headache
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fatigue
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blurry vision
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eye "soreness"
Healthier alternatives
- blinking
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periodically looking away
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using low-level lighting
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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