The effects of television viewing ::final::

Television has become a necessity for people nowadays. It is estimated that more than ninety per cent of households in developed countries have at least one television set ( Sharif 1999). Based on the American Time Use Survey (2003), the US population spends most of their time watching television rather than participating in sports, socializing, playing games or computer and other leisure activities. The ability to portray actions, educational ideas, latest information and a lot more has become the main factor why television is so hard to resist. However, this particular habit of watching too much television provides its own consequences.

Firstly, watching television continuously is believed to affect the development of children thinking process. Children are likely to form ideas of life and behaviour as portrayed by the programs they watch (Sharif 1999). There have been cases where children imitate the stunt that their idol made inside the television and injured themselves. Plus, it can lead to the development of poor behaviour when children follow their favourite actor unpleasant attitude after watching a particular movie. Moreover, the experts on child development criticize television programs that allowed violence to be premiered. Research has shown that children who watch violent programs continually become desentised to violence (Sharif 1999). Indirectly, the children may think that violence is common in life and is a main option to solving problems.

Other than that, watching television continuously may risk people to serious health problems. It takes very little effort to press the button and turn the television off, yet for some it means gathering every ounce of will power to do so (Rutherford 2002). This has lead to more people to switch channel and search for something interesting to watch rather than doing their house chores and exercise. In addition, some families are used to watching television and having their meals at the same time. According to Rutherford (2002), it is a sedentary activity and, when indulged in with snacks, can cause obesity and related diseases. Prolonged period in front of the television mean that the children are not being physically active (Sharif 1999).

Too much of television is also proven to stunt the academic growth of students. From the time television was invented it has fascinated its audience both young and old (Leigh 2001). According to Leigh (2001) again, Dr Geraldine Jones, an educational psychologist, is convinced that children who are heavy viewers are among the lowest achievers at school. She describes that watching television is a passive activity, these children do not develop skills which are crucial in creating problem solving and organisational ability. Referring to Leigh (2001), Dr Thomas Alexander mentioned that television programs are designed to demand undivided attention. Thus, we can say that when television is on, it is very difficult for student especially to concentrate on homework.

In conclusion, I strongly believe that the disadvantages of watching television surpass its benefits. Health, academic performance, and the children’s way of thinking can be extremely affected by only continuous watching of television. Television may provide unlimited information but without limit, there is a “high price” to bear.