Although there are benefits to watching television, they do not outweigh the problems it causes. Television itself is not considered good or bad, but rather the way it is used. It can offer benefits such as awareness, information, entertainment, and relaxation. Television can also have negative consequences, which include spending less quality time with the family, a minimized educational value for children, and the promotion of sex and violence, which has become more prominent in today's programs. American society has mostly been adversely affected by the television, while not as lethal as drugs and alcohol, television has many effects too, and not necessarily good ones. Since the invention of the T.V. in the mid-fifties, it has shown numerous negative effects on family life. Television has saturated our lives and quite possibly has lead to the deprivation of American society.
Depending on the way television is used, many argue that it can be a valuable informational tool. It can keep parents and children informed on what is going on in the world by watching news and news programs. In addition, television can influence growing children in a positive way by watching programs that are geared toward growing children such as Sesame Street and shows that are featured on the Discovery Channel and TLC. In moderation the television can be used to entertain or relax.
In contrast, many feel that the benefits of watching television do not outweigh the negative aspects of it. Numerous individuals consider the number one drawback of watching television is the isolation it causes. Weakening relationships by reducing and often times eliminating normal contact and communication with others. It has played a significant role in breaking up the family structure and replacing it with a void in communication. The T.V. prevents the family from developing a personal connection and also affects the ability to carry out future relationships.