It sounds like at least two of your kids have had TV’s in the bedroom. That is what a dorm room is after all! Unless they kept the TV in the common room?
Not counting the college years, none of them have had a tv in their bedroom. If you want to count the dorm room as “bedroom” then I guess you win. Although that would have only been 1 of the 4 years of college for 2 kids - if you are keeping score. Years 2,3,4 they had more rooms and the tv was in the living space, not sleeping space.
Of course that wasn’t the point. The point being, enjoying watching a show from an actual television set - preferred over a laptop - was a strong preference for them and I supported walking away from the computer screen - to yes, another screen, but an alternative way to relax.
S’s roommate freshman year bought a TV when his mom visited once. S provided the multi-function printer for them to share. S has always been happy with watching whatever he wants on his laptop or monitors. He did buy several TVs at one point but re-sold them. One of D’s suite-mates had a TV when she first arrived as a transfer student & always thereafter someone in her shared living space had a TV. She mostly watches what she wants off her own laptop and/or monitors.
Watching on a laptop is pretty solitary and not as “social” as watching on a communal TV, IMHO. When the watching is on a monitor, that’s to me just as social as a communal TV. My kids generally hook their laptops up to a larger monitor for shared viewing. Monitors can be obtained for $100 or so; less if the electronic is used.
Thanks all. I’m agree that a TV is more communal. Never thought of a monitor to hook laptop to, if not caring if they have a TV. Will let DS and his unknown roommate decide.