Do you learn how to be social by watching sitcoms?

[Diend]

My social anxiety stems from not knowing how to act in social situations. I've recently started watching sitcoms not for the laughs, but more so to learn about how Americans interact. The sitcoms I've watched so far are ABC's "Man Up", and "Last man standing" (starring Tim Allen) and "The Big Bang Theory". I think if I stick to watching sitcoms in general, I will learn to become a functioning member of society and not a weirdo. But...what are your opinions about using sitcoms as a way to learn?

 

[1BlackSheep]

I think some of it depends on what part of the country you live in. My parents had neighbors move in across the street from them who were from Texas (moved to California). They thought people were so unfriendly and just couldn't understand why everyone on the street didn't know each other. People tend to keep to themselves around here!

 

[KiaKaha]

I dont really know how to act in social situations either, but I dont think watching TV shows is the best way to go about it, you have to remember the shows are scripted and the dialogue is intended to be comedic. The real world isnt really like that... I mean, can you imagine what things would be like if we all behaved like al bundy?

I think the best way to learn to socialize is to practice and expose yourself to real life situations around people.

 

[Flowers-Of-Bloom]

Sitcoms are probably not a great example of how to interact with other people (possibly the opposite if you've ever watched the I.T. crowd). Scripted conversations (particularly in a comedy) are not very realistic and differ greatly from real life conversations between two or more people. Tv shows/movies that are in the 'drama' category are probably closer to realism, depending on the quality of writing and the acting performances.
I'm a writer myself and I've learnt that writing convincing dialogue/social interactions that sound and flow naturally is one of the hardest parts of storytelling. So when I'm stuck writing fictional conversations I prefer to take note of how people interact in real life, because that would be the primary source. Or if you feel weird just watching people, there's always reality TV.

 

[Kiwong]

I think it is better to watch and practice with real people and learn rather than actors in a sit com.

 

[MikeyC]

I dont watch sitcoms much, but from what I've seen they do not show authentic social interaction

you have to remember the shows are scripted and the dialogue is intended to be comedic.

Scripted conversations (particularly in a comedy) are not very realistic and differ greatly from real life conversations between two or more people.

These three have hit the nail on the head. Sitcoms are scripted for our entertainment and are not particularly realistic. However, if you feel they're helping, then you should continue going for it.

Or if you feel weird just watching people, there's always reality TV.

Or stick a fork in my eye...same effect. ::

Ever watch Jersey Shore? Oh, dear. Oh, dear.

 

[Kiwong]

I wouldn't take 2 and a half men as a model of how to interact socially.

 

[emre43]

Eastenders depresses me rather than helps me.

 

[Richey]

I think it depends on the atmosphere of a certain place, whether it's at work or at a gathering as to whether you can pull it off in the first place, some places or environments are just really rigid and tense to begin with because that's how everything is set up, so for relaxed banter that feels like the way you interact when you've had a few glasses or if you feel really relaxed is not always easy to find. it's certainly doable but it takes finding that special place to be able to really tap into that part of your brain that allows the humour and ideas to come out in conversation.

Some really good sitcoms that i think are really impressionable and spontanious, (yet are often filled with social paralysis).

- curb your enthusiasm (every series)
- just shoot me (series 1-3)
- the mighty boosh
- red dwarf (series 3-6)
- its always sunny in philadelphia
- 30 rock
- the fresh prince of bellair
- the legend of dick and dom
- king and queens
- community
- corner gas

 

[Kinetik]

I think sitcoms are partly responsible for making humanity so bad at interacting. That, along with TV as a whole, as well as the birth of the PC/telecommunications industries.

 

[Kiwong]

Sit coms to live by:

Some mothers do have em

Married with children

Two and a half men

Fawlty Towers

George and Mlidred

 

[*Amy*]

I don't try to learn it by specifically watching sitcoms... I pay more attention to how people talk to each other in real life, and WHAT they talk about. But of course, conversations on sitcoms and TV programs can also be useful.

 

[Richey]

suffice to say i caught a few episodes of married with children and roseanne recently, both have aged really well. way funnier then i remember them being.

 

[Rembrandt Broam]

I mean, can you imagine what things would be like if we all behaved like al bundy?

Even worse, just imagine if you frequently found yourself thinking and acting like Seinfeld's George Costanza.

*laughs nervously*

 

[fitftw]

real life is nothing like a sitcom. Most people are reserved, not as animated, less talkative, more shy, etc...we're not weird, we're normal.

 

[lurknomore]

I've watched sitcoms my whole life- comedies and anything animated are my favorite things to watch in television and movies. I can't say I've learned social interaction from them, it's more like an escape from reality than a glimpse into it.

 

[hippiechild]

I agree 200% with what's been said about the superficial, scripted nature of television. I'd posit that many of the today's problems in interpersonal interaction spring from a lack of mature role models and a surplus of television-nannies.

With that said, probably the very best way to fit into and understand our current situation is probably to immerse yourself in the same media that brainwashed everyone else...
if that's your cup of tea

 

[DeadmanWalking]

People may have already stated it, but I'll add what I think.

It's like playing a video game: sure, you see the mechanics and controls of the game watching someone, but, until you grab the controller and play for the first time, you don't really learn much watching. So, sure, you could probably watch sitcoms to learn a bit about being social, but a lot of it is about just going out there and trying it for yourself, seeing what works and modifying what doesn't.

 

[Kiwong]

you forgot this one!

Kingswood Country - YouTube

Haha!

"You can't take the Kingswood I just ironed the mudflaps!"

 

[razzle dazzle rose]

Watching social interactions in shows and movies only adds to my anxiety. I am really not funny or witty...or interestingly weird, so I don't measure up to the characters I so want to be like. Also, ever notice how the criminals and perverts are portrayed on Law & Order SVU? Like when they are interviewing the neighbors of a suspect, they seem to list off all the symptoms of social anxiety It always makes me wonder what my neighbors would say about me in such a situation :: not good things...But, anyway, I am like you, that I while I am watching for entertainment purposes, another part of me is also taking notes on how to "act". I enjoy people watching for the same reason. I am always making notes in my head...sometimes even in my journal. It is like I am an alien or something and need guidelines to show me how to behave properly. Quite demoralizing. I am taking a more active role in my life these days instead of being an observer; I am finding that I like that much better!