Television Argumentative Essay v2

More than ninety percent of the ménages in advanced nations worldwide have a television set in their homes (Sharif 1999). This clearly indicates the high level of available television access. It cannot be denied that numerous families are exposed to excessive television viewing. This is verified by statistics as it shows that an individual spends approximately between two to three hours a day watching television (American Time Use Survey 2003). Excessive television viewing brings about many repercussions of which include reduced cognitive ability, a false portrayal of the world to children and numerous health problems.

Extensive viewing of television can dampen the development process of a child’s ability to think (Sharif 1999). Watching television is in fact a flaccid activity and does not help stimulate any part of the brain. This results in a restrictive environment for the child to gain cognitive skills especially the art of problem solving and organisational ability (Leigh 2001). At the present time, numerous children’s programmes cause a lapse in long term concentration. This has adverse effects on academics and, it also causes difficulty in focusing on homework.

In addition, watching television inordinately can also depict an unrealistic view of the world to children. Children are likely to develop their habits and behaviour based on television programs they watch (Sharif 1999). This is because children are akin to the phrase “Monkey see, monkey do” and are known to follow examples seen by them. Violence and malice are also found in abundance on television programs and these may desensitise children towards violence (Sharif 1999). Children may be lead to think that all problems are solved easily and will become discouraged when faced with reality. Stereotypic attitudes may also be nurtured as characters in television programs are labelled as good or bad, sexy or tough, etc (Sharif 1991).

Furthermore, the habit of watching immoderate amounts of television may cause health problems as well. Television viewing contributes to the opportunity cost of other more beneficial activities such as homework or exercise (Rutherford 2002). Children spend less time outdoors enjoying nature or a good round of sports and physical activities. This will lead to physically inactive behaviour of children (Sharif 1991). It cannot be denied that watching television is a sluggish and inactive habit and when accompanied with junk food, it paves way for obesity and other health related diseases (Rutherford 2002).

In a nutshell, excessive television viewing definitely brings about many repercussions of which include reduced cognitive ability, a false portrayal of the world to children as well as health problems. Psychologists are not swayed from the notion that heavy viewers of television are among the lowest achievers at school (Leigh 2001). I suppose that’s why people nickname the television as the idiot box. However, I believe that watching television with moderation at check will enable us to fend off the negative ramifications of television. It is up to us to uphold and adhere to our own principles and disciplines.