Final answer:
The statement that television should be avoided at all costs when stressed is false. Television's impact on stress can be positive or negative depending on the individual and context. Excessive TV watching can be detrimental to academic performance, but in some cases, it can serve as a relaxing activity that might even alleviate stress.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is false that television should be avoided at all costs when you are stressed, as it stimulates response in the body. While it's true that stress activates the fight or flight response, and constant exposure to stressful situations may lead to negative health consequences, this does not automatically mean television is harmful in all cases of stress. Viewing television when stressed can have different effects on different individuals. Some may find it a relaxing escape from the pressures they face, as the relaxation response can reduce sympathetic arousal, beneficial for people with high blood pressure, for example. However, excessive television watching, particularly before important events such as exams, has been linked to poorer performance. The statement 'Smart students watch less television' may generalize the idea that reducing time spent on television could lead to better academic outcomes, as it can interfere with a student's ability to prepare for an exam. Yet, the use of television and its effect on the individual should be gauged with reflection on the source of emotions and stress, potentially managing them through other tools of metacognition as well.