Being in the year 2009, our level of technology has greatly developed and many inventions are important in making our lives more comfortable and easy. From LCD computers, cell phones, iPods, and digital cameras; one particular electronic has a huge impact on our everyday lives. In fact, this widely popular electronic is probably somewhere in your living room waiting for you to watch it. Yes, this is the television. These days, it’s not uncommon to have 5 sets of TVs in an ordinary family’s home. “What harm can it be?” you may ask. In our greedy capitalized society, commercialized media production is a common practice. Watching T.V. and movies affect us and our behaviour in many negative ways.
Watching T.V. and movies can lead to bad behaviours and influences. Violence, drugs and swearing are so commonly exposed on television that people become less aware about how awful it is. Instead, we may eventually think that nothing is wrong about it and that it’s “cool.” When people see movie stars, celebrities or their favourite character in T.V. shows or movies, they are affected by what they do and say. They like to imitate them and won’t realize its serious consequences. On the screen life can take two, actors get killed and come back again. People, especially youths and children, may get fictional fantasy mixed up with reality. They may not realize that killing and death is permanent, which is not fun or exciting at all.
Watching T.V. and movies is a passive activity that causes people to become unhealthy both mentally and physically. We stop using our imagination when we see things acted out for us. Mental indolence becomes physical indolence which slowly makes us couch potatoes. People would rather watch sports than play sports, it sounds funny but it’s true, and actually it's one of the main causes for obesity. Obesity results “a considerable negative effect on the quality and length of a person's life. People who are obese are at a higher risk of numerous illnesses, including heart attacks, strokes and diabetes.” (*RCHECK) Further more, gluing your eyes to a screen constantly will eventually cause vision problems. Watching scary movies may also cause serious long term effects. According to a study, symptoms range from “crying, screaming, trembling, nausea, clinging to a companion, increased heart rate, fear of losing control, as well as chills, fever, fear of dying, shortness of breath, and dizziness.” (*SM)
Television and movies are also very addictive. “It is impossible to stand up and go for a walk when your favorite soap opera is coming up. You leave everything undone and rush to see what happens next and stay glued to the screen till it’s over.” (*ITVOP) Television and movies limits studying and family time. “Parents have been concerned about the amount of T.V. young people are watching. Studies say that a lot of T.V. watching goes with poor performance in school.” (*HTVIK) People may also become so accustomed to seeing the glamorous and fabulous lives of celebrities and the characters in the shows they watch that they become too materialistic. They also waste their time with their celebrity obsessions by always wanting to know which celebrity did what and what they are wearing, etc. That also causing people to sink in debt by buying unnecessary products that their favorite celebrity endorse.
T.V. and movies are most likely a major part in our daily lives. No matter how much television you watch, one should know the consequences beforehand. We can easily get caught up in the fake and empty world in the big screen. Television and movies result in bad influences and behaviour, vision problems, obesity, nightmares and many other life changing side effects. It’s about time we think twice and realize what we will be putting ourselves through before turning on the television or going to the theatre. Instead of watching T.V. and movies all the time, one should take the time to enjoy the outdoors. Engaging in physical activity more often is the way to a healthier lifestyle.
Bibliography
- Imdieke, Kim. Violent Effects on Children and Teenagers through TV and Movies.
- Arbor, Ann. Scary movies, TV have lasting effects on youth, 03/08/99
- Unknown, Reality check: the problems of obesity in our society.
- How T.V. influences kids.
05/01/09
- Influence of Television on a person.
i love watching reality shows
ReplyDeletebut maybe Reyra have to move more real activity