The commercial television (TV) broadcasting started in 1920 and since then it has played an essential role in the society. In general, a person spends around twenty five percent of the days in front of the television. The influence of television can be noticed in many different aspects of people’s life. The general belief is that this influence is dramatic but there is a dispute about the effects and how far the influence of the television has reached in the society. Same as a coin has two sides there are both positive and negative effects from the influence of television.
The positive effects of influence of television are the educational advantages. People can learn about diverse things, from different areas like far away countries, traditions and cultures. They can learn and understand many things about the nature, our planet or about the universe. Television can increase the knowledge about animals, insects and plants and how they function. Television also gets people together, members of the family or friends gather and spend quality time. Parents and children can talk about television programs that were educational and what they have learnt from them. Historical programs can also help both children and adults to learn more and find about old cultures.
Here we come to a point where we need to discuss the negative effects due to the influence of television. People don’t really think about this when they watch TV because they take it as a time pass and most of them are not really aware of the negative effects. Television causes violence, makes people fat, stupid, passive, materialistic and the list grows longer and longer. Spending time in front of the television make us lazy and to abandon activities like exercising or reading a book. The influence of television has ruined the relationship within the families, and we don’t spend our time talking to the family members or our partners or our friends. Children that spend too much time in front of the television do not have the time to play and spend time outside in nature and socialise with other children.
They start identify themselves with super heroes and television characters. Children that spend excessive time in watching television are inclined to be affected by attention deficit disorders and eyesight problems. The influence of television can reach up to levels where children are exposed to a wide variety of programs, and are influenced by television advertisements. Commercials about fuzzy drinks that will make them cool if they drink, or fast food build bad habits and influence their health, as well as their behaviour because of the attractively presented contents. The influence of the television has a long lasting impact on one's mind. Television is a way of entertainment but its excessive use is harmful to one's physical and mental health. You should tend to have balance on everything in life.
