Tainiomania, or the excessive and persistent need to be constantly either watching or possessing television, has been a recognised phenomenon in Greece since the late 1980s. The term was first used by the psychologist and lecturer Dimitrischronis in his 1989 book Tainiomania: The Psychology of Television Addiction, in which he described it as a “compulsive relationship with the small screen.”
Since then, tainiomania has become a widely used word in Greek society, used to describe both the addiction to television and the general obsession with celebrity culture and reality TV.
Tainiomania is not recognised as a medical condition by any official body, but there is growing evidence to suggest that it is a real and serious problem. A 2014 study by the University of Athens found that 33% of Greeks suffer from some form of tainiomania, while a further 10% exhibit symptoms of “pathological tainiomania.”
Symptoms of tainiomania include an excessive need to watch television, an inability to stop watching even when it is no longer enjoyable, feelings of irritability and restlessness when away from the television, and using TV as a way to escape from reality.
Tainiomania is often linked to other mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia, and can have a negative impact on work, school, and social life.
There is no one single cause of tainiomania, but it is believed to be the result of a combination of social, psychological, and biological factors. The increased availability of television and other screens, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, is thought to be a key contributing factor.
In Greece, tainiomania is often seen as a national problem, with many blaming the country’s long-standing love affair with television for the current level of addiction. Tainiomania is also thought to be a symptom of the wider issue of social isolation in Greece, with people using TV as a way to escape from their problems.
The government has taken some steps to address the issue of tainiomania, most notably the introduction of a tax on television advertising in 2011. However, critics say that more needs to be done to raise awareness of the problem and to offer support to those suffering from tainiomania.
What is Tainiomania?
Tainiomania is a compulsive relationship with the small screen. It is the excessive and persistent need to be constantly either watching or possessing television.
The term was first used by the psychologist and lecturer Dimitrischronis in his 1989 book Tainiomania: The Psychology of Television Addiction, in which he described it as a “compulsive relationship with the small screen.”
Since then, tainiomania has become a widely used word in Greek society, used to describe both the addiction to television and the general obsession with celebrity culture and reality TV.
Tainiomania is not recognised as a medical condition by any official body, but there is growing evidence to suggest that it is a real and serious problem. A 2014 study by the University of Athens found that 33% of Greeks suffer from some form of tainiomania, while a further 10% exhibit symptoms of “pathological tainiomania.”
What are the symptoms of Tainiomania?
Symptoms of tainiomania include an excessive need to watch television, an inability to stop watching even when it is no longer enjoyable, feelings of irritability and restlessness when away from the television, and using TV as a way to escape from reality.
Tainiomania is often linked to other mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia, and can have a negative impact on work, school, and social life.
What causes Tainiomania?
There is no one single cause of tainiomania, but it is believed to be the result of a combination of social, psychological, and biological factors. The increased availability of television and other screens, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, is thought to be a key contributing factor.
In Greece, tainiomania is often seen as a national problem, with many blaming the country’s long-standing love affair with television for the current level of addiction. Tainiomania is also thought to be a symptom of the wider issue of social isolation in Greece, with people using TV as a way to escape from their problems.
How is Tainiomania treated?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating tainiomania, but strategies that may be helpful include reducing the amount of time spent watching television, increasing participation in other activities, and seeking professional help.
The government has taken some steps to address the issue of tainiomania, most notably the introduction of a tax on television advertising in 2011. However, critics say that more needs to be done to raise awareness of the problem and to offer support to those suffering from tainiomania.
Last lines
Tainiomania is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, treatments that may be helpful include reducing the amount of time spent watching television, increasing participation in other activities, and seeking professional help.