When a television set steals potential social interaction (for example, while eating), that's what you call "Pet Peeve #28." Do not mistake this for a declaration of war on television. On the contrary, I rather enjoy watching television as a social activity. However, when watching television is not the planned activity (e.g., we didn't say, "Hey, let's get together and watch some TV") and not everyone is enjoying what's being watched, that's what you call "Pet Peeve #28."
Friends. Conversations. Moments. They're rare--too rare to replace with an cathode ray tube.