Television can be a powerful influence in developing value systems and behaviour in children. It has brought about a substantial change in the experience of childhood in our culture. Any change in the behaviour and value systems of children will in turn change the future of society. In this sense, it can be seen that the technology of television is shaping society.

It is in the environment that we must now consider the long-term effect this situation is having on the development of children. This argument, however, is only valid if children are restricted to viewing programs that are of high quality. Today we watch a lot of television. Television upsets our health through reducing metabolic rate, reducing physical activity and increasing calorie consumption, which may be influenced by advertising or result from the increased opportunity to snack.

Many studies have shown a powerful link between times spent watching television and the likelihood of obesity. Children who watch greater amounts of television are more likely to ask their parents for products. It can be argued that television introduces and exposes children to an adult world; they are too young to know about. Sleep problems have also been associated with erratic television viewing Patterns. This is particularly concerning as it suggests that a healthy life is being neglected.

But on the other side television has helped in combating stress to a great extent. It has brought the world closer. It has also provided a platform for new job opportunities, be it in acting, producing, editing, music, and the list goes on. We can understand nature better thanks to channels like National Geographic and Discovery. News channels help us in keeping abreast with the latest happenings world over.

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Television has brought cinema right into our living rooms with a choice of over a 100 channels, it is definitely a treat after a hard day’s work. And one cannot miss the evergreen Tom and Jerry cartoons or those never ending soap sagas. With the entry of Plasma TV’s and LCD and home theater systems, television has definitely given a whole new dimension to life. Television has also played an important role in giving media a whole new dynamism the positives and negatives of television go hand in hand, and are just like the two sides of a coin.

Thus not only has television opened a whole new avenue for entertainment and staying in touch with the world, but also exposed us to an unhealthy life style. But in the end it’s for us to accept the positives and avoid the bad aspects, remembering the fact that the Television has an on and off button.