Chapter 9 - Journal Entry #3

Many people would say that television has a greater impact on society than any other form of media. Do you agree? Why or why not?

What examples can you give?

Greater Impact

This question is a little difficult to answer and I think I'm split. I would have to say that television has a large impact, but I believe the internet has a greater impact. It seems that everyone uses the internet for so many different purposes. The internet has a greater impact on businesses, college students, elderly people (geneology?) and all who are seeking for information. It is also a way to socially connect, and thus more people are impacted by others from the Internet. You can also watch a lot of television online now.

Television's Impact

-I believe that television has impacted our view of the world around us. Like we discussed in class, we see the world largely through the windows of our televisions. I think television has impacted our views of morality and violence to some degree. In my own life I do believe that I was impacted by what I watched as a child. I was impacted by the commericals I saw and also by the shows I watched. I learned a lot of what is socially and culturally acceptable from television.

- I think television has impacted the way the average American family spends time. I think there is much more time spent watching TV than eating together, playing together, or interacting.

-I think television has impacted children and taught them social norms if their parents didn't teach them.

-I have neighbors at home whose parents are deaf. Their children largely learned to speak English from watching television and movies. That to me, is impact.

-I've noticed little children pick up phrases and slang from shows they have seen on television.

-One impact we talk about often in class is simply the need to watch television in order to fit it. I see it in my office all the time. Have you seen this episode of this show? Today, as I was getting my haircut the stylist was talking about the Biggest Loser and I had never seen it. I know what the show is, but I don't watch it. Luckily, I couldn't care less, but some people feel like if they can't talk about the latest shows, they simply can't fit in.

I like what Edward Murrow said about the television:

This instrument can teach, it can illuminate; yes, and it can even inspire. But it can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it to those ends. Otherwise, it is nothing but wires and lights in a box.

— Edward R. Murrow

He is right. The television only has an impact on those who choose to watch it.