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We’ve all had that experience at some point in our lives. We’re sitting at home, watching our favorite show (perhaps a family comedy or teen drama), and suddenly the person or people next to us start a dialogue. A rather LOUD one. You might smile back in politeness, but you are annoyed inside. You might quietly shush them or try to redirect them back to what’s playing on the TV. Or you might be the person who yells at them because, quite frankly, you’re pissed off. Whatever you put it, your night did not turn out how you thought it would.

What exactly makes people talk during television shows, anyway? In my experience, I know of two significant reasons.

1. They are confused because they are not following the show and asking you questions to catch up.
2. Whatever is on screen has caused such strong emotions to stir inside them that they cannot contain themselves. They must speak about it.

I have not had as much experience with the first scenario as with the second. You have my deepest sympathies for the people who have experienced the first. I can only imagine how frustrating it is to explain something to someone not paying attention. But the second category of people seems different. First of all, we know that these people are paying attention. Close attention. It is evident in their reactions. They are clearly upset about what they are watching. But why?

The reasons are wide-ranging, but I found that the types of people who talk while watching TV most likely disagree with what they see. It may not align with their life experiences, so they do not relate to it. They may make fun of it because it seems cheesy. Or the plot may not make sense to them at all.

I know that in these situations, as a bystander, we may feel irritated by their reactions. Sure, they have the right to be upset, but they distract us from our programming. We feel like we will never have a chance to see it again. But wait a minute; is that necessarily true?

Nowadays, most TV shows are available to watch online the day after they air. So, as much as we think we are missing out on our “TV Time,” we also have other opportunities to catch up.

What is more important in that moment of frustration is not the fact that they are talking but what they are talking about. What is it about the content that makes them gawk in disbelief? Many shows are meant to be a reflection of our lives. But these people do not think so. Why? While they may be loud or even obnoxious in their reactions, they might raise an important question: are sitcoms doing their jobs? Is what I’m watching an accurate depiction of society? Of family? Of my own life?

Before we give in to the urge to yell at the “talkers,” we should ask ourselves if they are right in their opinions. If you disagree with them, then say so. If you agree with them, maybe there is more to the conversation than we realize. Either way, it could be a good idea to join the conversation. You might end up leaving with a few good insights.

With all the shows and other content available in media, it is nearly impossible not to talk about it. Media literacy is taking everything we see in media and looking at it with fresh eyes. It goes beyond just watching but actually questioning what we see. Now is the time to start asking ourselves: why do we like (or dislike) the shows we see on TV? And do others agree? The answer might shock or pleasantly surprise you…