The Negative Affects Television Has on Society

In today’s society almost everything is centered on technology, with television being one of the main sources. Although television is great for entertainment and education, it has greatly impacted our society in negative ways. America has become more dependent on television. According to the Nielsen Report, the average American over the age of 2 spends more than 34 hours a week watching live television programs. Too much television consumes time that could be used to get out and get active or spending quality time with family members and friends. Watching television threatens “traditional” family values, people’s health and behavior, and our children’s future.

Children today watch television for very long hours. TV has become the third parent in some households, where parents are spending less and less time with their children. Before the invention of a television and video games, children were much more active. Hopscotch and freeze tag were things to look forward to after school, now it’s a rush to get home for your favorite programs. Researchers claim that A.D.D in children comes from watching television for long hours, everyday. It has been said that watching television causes developmental disorders, because it affects the part of the brain that is responsible for language skills. Research also suggests that

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children who consistently spend more than four hours per day watching TV are more likely to be overweight. Too much television can be detrimental to our children’s health. Teens and young adults who watch more than 3 hours of TV a day are more than twice as likely to commit an act of violence later in life, compared to those who watch less than 1 hour, according to a new study. Although television can make anyone violent, the youth are more at risk. Children can’t tell the difference between real and unreal, they will believe anything that is put on television. Children feel they can copy criminals and do bad things without any punishment, just like they see on TV. Children also see fictional characters get ran over, jumped on, beat up ect., and the characters are always unharmed. This leads children to believe that their violent acts are harmless.

Television teaches children and the rest of society that it’s okay to be violent because no harm or punishment comes from it. Television is also very addicting. You could be sitting with some juice and snacks, not realizing you have been sitting in front of the television for about 3 hours. While sitting and watching your favorite shows, you see a commercial for a new show coming on next and you end up watching that too. Studies show compulsive viewers turn to television for comfort when they feel distressed, instead of their regular programs watched for fun. Watching television sometimes feels never ending, leaving you feeling unsatisfied. Lastly, Americans are getting fatter. Sitting in front of a television can make you consume more, since you are distracted by the TV. Since you are watching television shows for hours on end, you are also more likely to be less active. While watching television, you are also more likely to eat higher calorie foods. Sitting in front of a television to watch your favorite shows can detrimental to your health.

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In conclusion, technology can be a blessing and a curse. Although television can be used to educate, and inform; it has its negatives. Watching television threatens “traditional” family values, people’s health and behavior, and our children’s future. With everything else in the world, television needs to have a balance. Too much of something can definitely be a bad thing.