The Sociology of Television

Paper Summary:

The writer of this paper contends and proves that the invention of television has changed the way people view each other, the world and their surroundings. This paper examines how the images we see shape our opinions, attitudes and behavior. The writer details the impact television has on children's development, which can either reinforce or alter stereotypes. Within the last forty years, television has played a significant role in society through the portrayal of stereotypes, lifestyles, consumer influences, and behavioral examples. Television programming has an even greater affect on our attitudes and social interactions through the portrayal of lifestyle and individual stereotypes. In recent years, the medium of television has come under fire for portraying images that are detrimental to society. This paper also discusses the effects of constant advertising and how it affects the way we view ourselves in terms of where we fit into society.

From the Paper:

"In recent years, the television media has come under fire for portraying images that are detrimental to society. Troubled adults and teens too often mimic actions depicted in violent television shows and then base their behavior on the actions of the characters in the shows. This attitude formation would lead us to believe that through a numbing effect, we are influenced in behavioral ways that would not normally occur if the stimulus (i.e. television influence) was removed. Relying on television portrayal as an excuse for immoral behavior tends to place people in a robot scenario whereby the individual has no decision-making capabilities other than to act out scenes portrayed on television. Most individuals do not go to this extreme in attitude formations or behavioral modification, but the fact that some do raises the concern at to what degree television actually influences behavior and attitudes. Individuals who also happen to be parents are affected in a myriad of additional ways."

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