"Psychophysiologist Thomas Mulholland found that after just 30 seconds of watching television the brain begins to produce alpha waves, which indicates torpid (almost comatose) [slow] rates of activity. Alpha brain waves are associated with unfocused, overly receptive states of consciousness. A high frequency alpha waves [sic] does not occur normally when the eyes are open. In fact, Mulholland’s research implies that watching television is neurologically analogous to staring at a blank wall. Alpha waves are present during the 'light hypnotic' state used by hypno-therapists for suggestion therapy." - "Television: Opiate of the Masses", by Wes Moore, from The Journal of Cognitive Liberties, vol 2, issue 2
“The MTV machine doesn't listen to the young so that it can make the young happier. It doesn't listen to the young so it can come up with startling new kinds of music, for example. The MTV machine tunes in so it can figure out how to pitch what Viacom has to sell to those kids.” – Mark Crispin Miller
The bland, banal, watered-down mediocrity that is most popular media is mediocre because the producers want to reach the widest possible audience in order to gain maximum profits. Viewers’ appearance and behavior are quite literally programmed. While in the highly suggestive state of alpha-wave brain “activity” as it was, the subconscious absorbs feelings of inadequacy and insecurity from adverts, motivating it to consume with a physiological pay-off (momentary respite from purchasing motivators). Perhaps most frightening is the subconscious absorption of the behaviors displayed by the characters populating television programming. As the old saying goes...
