Couch Potatoes

A Straits Times article recently commented that there are major trends that are under way like online shopping, digital entertainment, virtual communications and even virtual presence and that these trends will surely continue after Covid-19. What do these trends portend for us? A population of couch potatoes? This term “couch potatoes” originated in the 70s with increased TV viewing. Now in addition to TV there are multiple devices that get our attention day and night. 

It is a known fact that too many daily hours of inactivity diminishes energy levels and muscle tone, making it harder to move. It could also increase the risk of obesity as well as lead to more than 30 other chronic illnesses. Now there is growing evidence that a sedentary lifestyle not only leads to poor health but it may also affect personality. It may actually transform our personality in ways that not only make it harder to exercise, but also result in our inability to accomplish whatever else we need to do to be successful in life. The main personality traits that are affected are conscientiousness, openness, agreeableness and extroversion. 

The rationale promoted is that being less active results in us becoming less self-disciplined, less curious and adventurous. We will have fewer opportunities for socialising and also miss the mood-enhancing effects of exercise, a detriment that may accumulate over time and potentially contribute to our lower agreeability.

So not only does our personality shape our willingness to exercise, but it’s looking like our willingness to exercise shapes our personality. And if you want the sort of personality that will make you more successful, you should probably get off your couch.