Television is the most influential form of medium that can brainwash the viewing public as soon as they switch a TV set on. Twenty first century technology is developing very fast. Advanced technological wonders still surprise us and make us wanting more and more comfort that they create. Television has became so popular all over the world there is no country, region or village where people don’t know what a television is. It has assumed the overpowering role it plays today as a result of the weakness of society. A society’s strength is based on the relationships between people and when so much time is spent away from others and together with the media, the actions that take place are often times a reflection of what television presents.

It is also considered that television has both advantages and disadvantages and for one it is very difficult to decide what to watch and if to watch at all. Certainly, television is the main source of information. It is a great tool for learning, communication and for information. Daily, people listen and watch a short news sequence that provides us with everything we need to know for that day. Also, no doubt, television is the way to entertain oneself, for it offers a variety of possibilities to have fun sitting on your couch and relaxing. Another way to capture people’s minds on a live TV screen is advertisement. Commercials have become inseparable part of broadcasting and live coverage. Even favourite movies are interrupted by a short or not so short ad(s). Though commercials are what holds television together and there’s nobody who can prove this wrong. Besides there have to be some ways to show what lies on the shelves at supermarkets. When it comes to disadvantages one may prepare for a long story, but after all, despite these trifles we continue to do it, no matter what is said. But the overwhelming influence of television is a constant threat to the maintenance of traditional family values and to the protection of our children’s future. Nevertheless, television cannot be changed for it is too big and powerful but compromises can be made that can strengthen society and help keep certain values protected.

It is harmful to stay in front of the TV for a long time. It spoils our eyes and health, doctors say. But the same thing happens when we read articles or interesting narrative essays for a long time. It is the same story with the computer as nothing harms our sight this much. As for the information that we constantly see on TV, it is a miracle how one can watch it without going crazy. Indeed, if I was to watch three or more reality shows in a row it makes me at first confused than frustrated and then constantly unsatisfied and angry. It is also the same story with movies. It is almost impossible to find a movie without blood spilling around and angry men fighting for God knows what. Of course a nice narrative essay can be put aside when something similar comes up. Now movies are rated, but who pays attention to that little geometric figure in the corner of your screen? As soon as a movie is good, nobody cares to think about its influence on their children.

Television makes people physically inactive. It is impossible to stand up and go for a walk when your favourite soap opera is coming up. You leave everything undone and rush to see what happens next and stay glued to the screen until it’s over. Then another and another comes and you slowly but surely turn into a couch potato with health problems as in mental, as in physical field. Over the past decades, we have less and less time in our hands due to careers, divorces and the constant struggle for success.  This unfortunately, is resulting in parents spending less time with their children, which is an important responsibility that no one or nothing can replace. Parents must spend more time with their children, otherwise, the old values will slowly slip away and new ones, established by television, will take their place for good.

In a society where money signifies success and influence, television has taken its place among the most prosperous of businesses.  Television cannot be attacked because it can and has successfully stood up to all sorts of challenges. Attacking it may deprive us of such benefits therefore this trend must be approached with “more conversation and less combat” as US President Bill Clinton once said. Instead of criticising, we should, perhaps, look for alternatives that, in the long run, will benefit society. Just as televisions’ bad influence has settled in slowly in our community, it can slowly be filtered out with time, patience and most importantly with everyone’s cooperation.

We just have to find out what makes us glue ourselves to the television screen and go to bed with a TV on? Maybe it is time to break the habit and start reading something useful, for example, this article about the influence of television.