It seems that, in our media-obsessed culture, we have limited ourselves to very few mediums.
Most of the content we consume is delivered through either video or audio, and narrowing that even further, most of our content consists of streamed episodes/clips or through music.
There is nothing wrong with either of these mediums: they are convenient, enjoyable, and accessible to many people. However, it seems that many people have forgotten the importance of moderation and variety. To prove my point, ask yourself these questions: 1) Have you ever spent more than four hours straight watching a show on Netflix? 2) When's the last time you read through multiple books just for fun?
Most shows these days are designed to keep you watching for hours on end, and if you fall into this habit, you are proof that the production companies have hijacked your ability to practice free will and to turn. it. off. Of course, that isn't your fault, but you have to remember that this combination of gluttony and sloth will not leave you thoroughly fulfilled.
You need variety for fulfillment. This can be as simple as listening to a story an actual human being tells about their experiences years ago. It can be admiring the drawings of your neighbor who you only knew as an accountant, it can be an expertly-crafted meal cooked by a relative you haven't seen in quite a while.
These are the things that really connect you to other people. People who can show you care in return. No matter how hard you try, you will never be able to get Archie Andrews from Riverdale to actually care about you because he isn't a real person. He is a character played by an actor, pitched by a production company.
That said, discussing mutual interests can be a great point of human connection, and if you and another person bond over your shared love of Riverdale, I'm happy for you. Just try to understand that your relationship with that person is two-sided, while your relationship with your favorite TV show is one-sided, and thus not as fulfilling, ultimately.
I have recently delved back into the habit of reading books, after a long hiatus. I think reading is a very unique medium of entertainment because it is self-informed.
What I mean by this is that no two people will read a book the same way because the text of the book merely informs the imagination of the reader to create a world within her mind that follows the plot of the book. It's quite magical, if you think about it.
Certain mediums also have certain perks to them. Animation, for example, can portray alien beings, a talking dog, and flying just as easily as it can portray humans, a barking dog, and walking. If traditional films were to attempt the former, they would need far more resources than usual: prosthetics, special effects, green screen, and rigged machines.
Books can articulate details and thought processes that most movies cannot, and that is because most books are meant to be consumed over many hours, while the standard movie is just over two hours.
Theatre gives acting and technical opportunities to actual people in your community, stand-up comedy does much the same thing.
People say that what exercise is to the body, reading is to the brain, but as any fitness professional will tell you: if you want real results, you have to switch up your exercise routine. A well-rounded athlete won't only perform strength exercises, just like a well-rounded thinker won't only watch Youtube videos.
Add in a few other entertainment sources, and you will be happy with your mediums.
