What happens when people stop watching sitcoms?

Gin, Television, and Social Surplus

This essay by Clay Shirkyon has been making the rounds in the last few days.
In short, he argues that people will continue to spend less time watching sitcoms and more time creating and sharing information. A "cognitive surplus" that was wasted on passively watching television, is being used to generate gains for all of society.

I'm not sure I agree, but an interesting article nonetheless.