It is indisputable that the invention of television has brought a tremendous change to the life of its audience. The population of households in developed countries for the nonce who own at least one television set has exceeded ninety per cent (Sharif 1999). According to American Time Use Survey (2003), average hour spent by Americans per day in watching television is approximately 2.5 hours. Sociologists and experts are bickered over the issue of whether television is a blessing or a curse when there are claims that extensive television viewing has eaten into our lives. Correspondingly, I strongly assert that television viewing brings more advantages than disadvantages as it develops critical thinking skills, informs people about global issues and acts as a relaxing tool for its viewers.
First, television viewing encourages critical thinking, a skill that is indispensable in the society and schools. Through this amusing and interesting medium, it provides food for thought regarding issues over a variety of human problems ranging from globalization to homelessness. It also demonstrates subjects like science and geography in a distinctive and diverting way that helps learners to understand the information well (Leigh 2001). A case in point, families can comment on how a dispute is settled in programmes and consequently discuss over possible measures to better resolve the conflict (Sharif 1999). Accordingly, critical thinking is developed during the discussion over an issue.
In addition, there is no doubt that television allows access to the latest local and world issues (Rutherford 2002). People receive first-hand information on the latest events around the world via news programmes aired on television. Subsequently, young people become more aware of global issues and this indirectly inspires them to participate in certain favourable activities such as charity works (Sharif 1999). According to Rutherford (2002), the knowledge attained can also motivate public to be actively involved in the issues risen, thus applying pressure on authorities like councils, major companies and even national governments. This will urge the decision-makers to deliberate the responses from the audience and by doing this, it forms a force for democracy. Hence, it is assured that television viewing is beneficial when it connects people with world’s issues.
Furthermore, television viewing is literally beneficial in the sense that it assuages and relaxes its viewers after a hard day at work or at school. The rationale is that viewers can have a peace of mind and get prepared to focus on their next task. Moreover, by engrossing in a programme, they temporarily neglect their tension and frustration that resulted from the rising requirements and anticipations put on them. This is especially vital in helping them to regroup and gain a more balanced view over certain problems (Rutherford 2002). This can be further evidenced by the UK Time Use Survey (2000) which indicates that full-time workers spend their leisure mostly on television, video and radio. Ergo, watching television is definitely advantageous as it entertains its viewers.
All in all, I am in full support of the claim that television viewing brings more advantages than disadvantages as it develops critical thinking skills, informs people about global issues and acts as a relaxing tool for its viewers. Nevertheless, reports about television tend to concentrate on its adverse impacts (Leigh 2001). It is undeniable that television viewing can be harmful, yet not to the extent that it is nonsensical. Indeed, it is up to the viewers themselves to watch moderately or else television could be a scientific monster after all. Apparently, if viewers can use the medium intelligently and with discrimination over the choice of programmes, television can play a significant role in promoting positive values.
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