Question: What are the benefits and disadvantages of watching the television?
Definition of the word Benefit: Something that promotes well- being, useful aid.
Definition of the word Disadvantage: An unfavourable. inferior or prejudicial condition.
Almost every household in a developed country has a television(TV) and it has become an important part of our lives. We feel at a loss when our television breaks down or when we are in a certain condition that disallows us from watching it. This is because we are so used to watching the TV that when we suddenly do not or cannot, we feel that a part of us is missing. Whether we like it or not, we have to acknowledge the fact that the television has become a part of our culture.
The television though just a little box, or screen for some, is actually a very powerful tool. So many messages are relayed across each and every day. Slowly but surely, even the subtlest messages will be taken in by us subconsiously. So the question we ask ourselves is, are the things we watch on TV beneficial to us? Some say it is, other argue otherwise. But the truth is, watching shows on the TV can bring us entertainment and harm us at the same time.
At the end of an exhauting day at work or in school, we come home with one intention, that is, to rest and relax. Switching on the TV becomes almost routine because we know we can achieve all that by doing so. Comedies screened on TV leave us rolling over with laughter and we yearn for more each day. Drama serials keep our adrenaline rushing and makes us want to watch the next episode to find out what happens next. These shows provide a source of entertainment and we feel relaxed and less stressed out after watching them. TV then becomes beneficial because through it, we are able to relax at the end of a hard day and recuperate.
Because of the hectic schedule that many of us face, we find that we do not have the time to read the newspaper. The TV then becomes a source where we get our knowledge of current affairs. It becomes a place where people are able to learn about what has happened around the world in a more captivating way since all of it is visual and audio. This is one benefit that television has.
The TV also keeps us updated on new products in the market through advertisements. We know if the latest ipod has arrived in Singapore or whether this CD or that has been released. We do not have to go through the hassel of calling up stores to find out if they are being sold already.
Thus, to a certain extent, there are many benefits of watching the television today.
Still, there are a few who refuse to acknowledge the benefits of watching the TV and are tuned towards the negative side of it. They argue that watching the TV is brain numbing. As we all know, shows are screened on the TV at all hours, day or night. If one lacks the discipline to stop watching the buffet of shows spread out before him, he would find that he is at the same position he was at twenty-four hours ago. The shows would have enraptured him so much so that he forgets time.
Though shows screened on TV have gone through some sort censoring, it would still bring about certain messages that are not edifying to a person. For instance, murder, lying, cheating and more. Thus, the TV then becomes disadvantageous as it would be a medium bringing in negative values.
The TV is also the main medium of advertisement. Through certain advertisements, some might be tempted to buy things they know they simply cannot afford. However, having seen the beauty of the product shown on TV, they might be too tempted to say no and find themselves in a pile of debt. The TV becomes negative then because it acts as a source of temptation.
In conclusion, there are both benefits and disadvantages of watching the TV. It can be a source of entertainment but also one that brings about negative values. Thus, it becomes the responsibility of the viewer to protect himself. Since he knows that watching the TV can be addictive and that negative values can be taken in subconsciously, he should make an effort to choose shows which he thinks will be alright for him to watch and limit himself to the time spent watching TV. Since negativity is so subtle and addictiveness come about so stealthily, it is best that the viewer cuts down on the amount of time spent watching TV. There are other ways to relax and to get informed and it is better to be safe than sorry.
Charmain Loy (11)
i am who i am
9:18 PM
