There’s an intriguing distinction between those who enjoy the deafening silence of an empty room and those of us who need the hum of a television set to feel at ease.

Psychology has a unique way of peeling back the layers, shedding light on why we behave the way we do. And those folks who turn on the TV just for background noise, well, they’re no exception.

In fact, according to the experts, these individuals typically exhibit seven unique behaviors. Intrigued? You should be.

These behaviors don’t just tell us about their TV viewing habits, but shed light on how they approach life, work, and even their personal relationships.

Let’s dive in and uncover what turning on the TV just for background noise really says about a person!

1) They’re often multitaskers

People who turn on the TV for background noise are often multitaskers. They might be working on their laptop, cooking dinner, or even reading a book, all while the TV buzzes away in the background.

The presence of background noise doesn’t distract them but rather, it fuels their energy and productivity. It’s as if the hum of the television set provides the perfect soundtrack to their daily chores and activities.

And psychology backs this up. As Carl Jung, a renowned psychologist, once said:

“The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct acting from inner necessity. The creative mind plays with the objects it loves.”

This quote rings true for our background noise lovers. They find comfort in the chaos and use it to fuel their creativity and productivity.

Next time you see someone with the TV on while they’re seemingly busy with other tasks, know that it’s not a sign of distraction. Rather, it’s their unique way of engaging with their environment.

2) They crave constant stimulation

I remember my college roommate, Jane. She was one of those people who always had the TV on, no matter what she was doing.

At first, I thought it was a distraction. But for Jane, it was the opposite. She explained that the constant noise kept her mind active and helped her concentrate.

As it turns out, Jane isn’t alone in this behavior. People who turn on the TV just for background noise often crave constant stimulation. They thrive in an environment that’s vibrant and dynamic, not still and silent.

Famous psychologist William James once said, “We are all ready to be savage in some cause. The difference between a good man and a bad one is the choice of the cause.”

For Jane and others like her, their cause is to keep their minds engaged, even if it means having the TV on in the background.

I’ve learned not to judge too quickly. The background noise that might seem like a distraction to me can be the perfect stimulant for someone else’s concentration and productivity.

3) They use it as a coping mechanism

Have you ever found comfort in the sound of rain hitting the roof or the rhythmic sound of a train on its tracks? For many, the constant hum of a TV in the background serves the same purpose.

Yes, it’s true. People who turn on the TV just for background noise often use it as a coping mechanism. It could be to drown out their thoughts, to fill a lonely silence, or to create a sense of normalcy in an otherwise chaotic world.

This behavior is an honest reflection of their need for comfort, for something steady amidst the uncertainties of life. It doesn’t necessarily mean they’re escaping reality, but rather finding their peace within it.

As Sigmund Freud once said, “Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways.”

Perhaps for some, having the TV on is their way of dealing with these unexpressed emotions – not by burying them but by giving them a voice through the noise.

There’s no right or wrong way to find comfort in this world. So let’s remember to be gentle with others and their chosen coping mechanisms.

4) They may be extroverts

Did you know that there’s a correlation between extroversion and the need for background noise? A study found that extroverts tend to perform better when they’re in a noisy environment.

It seems the constant chatter or soundtrack from a TV show provides just the right level of environmental stimulation for extroverts.

It’s not so overwhelming that it distracts them, but it’s enough to keep their minds alert and engaged.

This isn’t to say that every person who loves background noise is an extrovert, but there’s a higher possibility that they might be.

They thrive on the energy of others, and having the noise of a TV in the background replicates that sense of company and activity.

The next time you see someone working with the TV on, they may not be procrastinating – they might just be an extrovert harnessing their optimal work environment!

5) They’re often desensitized to distractions

My friend Lisa always amazed me. She could work on her laptop with the TV blaring in the background, not missing a beat. It was as if she’d built an imaginary wall that filtered out any potential distractions.

People who turn on the TV for background noise often have this unique trait. They’ve become desensitized to what many would consider distracting.

It’s not that they ignore the noise; rather, they’ve trained themselves to function in its presence.

This ability aligns with a quote from famed psychologist Albert Ellis: “The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own.”

For Lisa and others, they’ve turned what could be a problem – distraction – into a part of their routine.

The world is full of noise, both physical and metaphorical. Being able to function amidst it, to turn it into white noise, is a skill not everyone possesses. But for those who do, it’s a unique trait that aids them in their day-to-day life.

6) They actually enjoy silence

Now, this may sound contradictory, but hear me out. People who often have the TV on for background noise are not necessarily noise seekers. In fact, they might appreciate silence more than most.

The constant hum of the television acts as a buffer against other, more intrusive noises – traffic, loud neighbors, even their thoughts.

By controlling the background noise, they’re able to create their version of silence, a space where they can focus and be at peace.

Eminent psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”

Perhaps these individuals have accepted that their version of peace doesn’t lie in absolute silence but in the controlled chaos of background noise.

It’s counterintuitive, but it’s a testament to how unique we all are in our ways of dealing with the world around us.

7) They value familiarity

TV background noise lovers often find comfort in the familiar. The predictable chatter of a sitcom or the hum of a documentary – these familiar sounds provide a sense of security and continuity.

As psychologist Abraham Maslow once said, “In any given moment, we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety.”

For many, the familiar hum of the TV is their safe haven, a constant in an ever-changing world.

Familiarity isn’t boring—it’s comforting. And there’s nothing wrong with cherishing it.

Parting thoughts

The complexities of human behavior are as diverse as the individuals exhibiting them. Having the TV on for background noise may seem peculiar to some, but for others, it’s a comforting routine.

These seven unique behaviors associated with this habit are just glimpses into the myriad ways people interact with their environment.

Whether it’s to find stimulation, seek comfort, or create a sense of familiarity, these subtle nuances in behavior are testament to our individuality.

The next time you come across someone who has the TV on just for the noise, remember these insights. It might not only help you understand them better but also appreciate the fascinating diversity in human behavior.

Remember, we all have our quirks and habits. It’s these differences that make us uniquely human. And that’s something worth celebrating.