The slumping economy has forced many people to make tough changes in their lives. People can’t go on vacation as often. They can’t go out to as many movies. Sporting events, concerts and plays are forgone luxuries. So how do Americans cope? We watch more TV.

The Nielsen Company, a leading provider of marketing information, audience measurement and business media products, released its latest “three screen” report, which covers the last three months of 2008. It shows that Americans are watching roughly 151 hours of TV a month. This breaks down to about five hours a day and is up from the same period last year.

Now some of you may be thinking that watching more TV is a bad thing, but I disagree.

I’m not saying plant yourself in front the boob tube for a marathon of “Survivor” and “Flavor of Love.” Find the time though to tune into one of many educational programs available. We have never had so much access to learn about our world. We just have to learn how to use this medium correctly.

Programs like BBC’s “Planet Earth” series can show us parts of the world and animals that a vast majority of us would never see otherwise. There are programs chronicling the lives of world leaders, pop icons, influential people, philosophers, scientists, serial killers, pioneers and ancient civilizations. There are other benefits to TV as well.

It can provide viewers with an escape from the dreary reality of everyday life. Just this last summer, I had to move back into my parent’s house. I was on the brink of starting at Sacramento State and my life was up in the air. That’s when I discovered “The Office.”

Following the lives of Jim, Pam, Michael and Dwight helped me pass away the boring summer hours. I felt a kindred spirit with Jim, the love of his life being just out of reach but yet only feet away. Michael’s manic managing style made me appreciate all the different managers I’ve had in my years of working. And Dwight – well, Dwight’s absurd fascination with beets and “Battlestar Galactica” gave me a reason to laugh again.

Not everyone agrees with me, however.

Robert Humphrey, professor of communication studies, points out one downside.

“Watching TV and playing video games, I think its producing people that don’t read as much as they used to. I think you can see it when they come to college and they have trouble reading,” he said.

There are other good reasons to turn off the TV and pick up a book as well. Almost every reality show gives people who are contemplating suicide a reason to take that leap. If I ever have to see another show like “The Simple Life,” starring pseudo-celebrities Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie, I just may do myself in.

I will never disregard the importance of reading a book, or going outside for, gasp? physical activity! But our generation has a distinct advantage over generations past. We have access to the most diverse coverage the world has ever known.

The trick is taking control of the medium. If your argument is that too much bad TV is a bad thing, then I agree. The right kind of TV – the kind that fulfills and enriches our lives – is certainly a good thing.

Matt Rascher can be reached at [email protected]