Impact of Television on American Family Life Essay

Impact of Television on American Family Life - Essay Example It has been calculated that, the time spent by each American family in watching TV, for duration of one week, is roughly fifty one hours. (2) Based on the statistical figures stated in the preceding paragraph, there is no hesitation in arriving at a logical conclusion. The quality time spent by family members, by interacting with each other, is being compromised. And that is solely for the purpose of not missing their favorite shows on the television. This trend is steadily leading to a scenario where the bond between family members is slowly getting weakened. The time that was allocated for family members, in the pre-television era, is now being given to TV. Television has been successful in getting the undivided attention of people, and has also managed to take a powerful grip of their lives. Television projects a negative image of family Apart from the disadvantages of TV that have been emphasized upon, earlier, it (TV) is showing its negative impact in another way. There is now n o dearth of television programs, which depict parents in poor light. There are now many shows, in which, parents are shown as lacking the capability to both take proper care of children, and also to be successful in life. Simultaneously, children are being depicted as the people of family who are more knowledgeable and hence having every right to question the parents. In the TV shows, the character of a family elder is projected as being a comedian who is at the receiving end of ugly jokes. All these leave a strong impression on the tender minds of children who, owing to all the stuff being shown on TV, would end up disregarding family values. They would display scant respect towards the... While speaking about the negative effects of TV on American family life, a mention needs to be made of the reality shows, which have gained immense popularity. This essay approves that the real and concrete solution for any stress-causing issue can be arrived at, only when there is a wholesome interaction between members of a family. And it is this very interaction that is consistently becoming less and less, courtesy the over importance being given to TV. Different studies carried out in the avenue of â€Å"Impact of television on American family life† have shown that, families with limited income are getting more addicted to television. There indeed is a highly valid reason for that. When compared with other means of entertainment, a television is the one that fits into the budget of low income households. Especially, it is observed that, if TV sets are present in bedrooms of children, there is every possibility that they could get distanced from other family members. Children would then show no inclination towards attending various family events. This report makes a conclusion the focus of this essay is confined to elaborating upon the adverse impacts of TV, only in relation to family life. There are several other drawbacks of television like increased risk of obesity and people becoming passive, etc, that have not been discussed here. The topic of the essay is an exhaustive one and it is not possible to be covering all the related points in a brief essay such as this one. Yet, a sincere attempt has been made to cover the most of the important aspects.