Television is a powerful medium that can influence the way people think, feel, and behave. However, television can also have negative impacts on youth.
One concern is the potential for violent or inappropriate content influencing young viewers. Studies have shown that excessive exposure to violent media can lead to aggressive behaviour in children, increased fearfulness, decreased sensitivity and empathy, and poor academic performance.
Another concern is the effect of television on adolescents’ development of gender and racial identity. Television can expose teenagers to stereotypes, sexualized images, and unrealistic expectations that can affect their self-esteem and relationships.
Television can also limit the diversity of role models and perspectives that teenagers encounter. Furthermore, television can also affect teenagers’ health and lifestyle choices.
Television viewing can reduce physical activity, increase snacking, and interfere with sleep, contributing to obesity and related health issues.
Television can also depict risky behaviours such as smoking, drinking, and drug use, which can encourage teenagers to experiment with these substances.
Therefore, it is important for parents, educators, and policymakers to be aware of television’s potential negative effects on youth and promote media literacy and responsible viewing habits among young audiences.
Television can have several negative impacts on youths. Here are some commonly discussed concerns:
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- Violence and Aggression: Excessive exposure to violence on television can desensitize young minds and lead to increased aggression. Studies have shown that children who watch violent content are more likely to exhibit aggressive behaviour and develop a desensitized attitude towards real-life violence.
- Unhealthy Lifestyle: Spending excessive time watching television often leads to a sedentary lifestyle, reducing physical activity and contributing to issues like obesity and related health problems. Television viewing can also promote unhealthy eating habits as advertisements for sugary, processed foods are prevalent.
- Negative Role Models: Television often portrays unrealistic and negative role models, glamorizing behaviours such as substance abuse, casual sex, and materialism. These depictions can influence young viewers’ attitudes and behaviour, leading to poor decision-making and unhealthy aspirations.
- Impaired Academic Performance: Excessive television viewing can negatively impact academic performance. Spending long hours in front of the TV takes away time that could be spent on homework, studying, or engaging in other intellectually stimulating activities. It can also affect attention span and concentration, making it harder for youths to focus on educational tasks.
- Limited Social Interaction: Spending excessive time watching television can reduce face-to-face social interaction and limit opportunities for meaningful relationships. It may lead to isolation, social anxiety, and difficulties in developing essential social skills.
- Unrealistic Perceptions: Television often portrays an idealized and distorted version of reality, leading to unrealistic perceptions among young viewers. This can create dissatisfaction with their own lives, body image issues, and unrealistic expectations about relationships and success.
- Commercial Exploitation: Television advertisements heavily target young viewers, promoting products and materialistic values. This constant exposure to advertising can influence youths’ consumer behaviour and create a desire for unnecessary and sometimes harmful products.
It’s important to note that the negative impacts of television on youths can vary depending on factors such as the content watched, the amount of time spent watching, parental guidance, and the overall media literacy of the individual. Moderation, critical thinking, and parental involvement can help mitigate these negative effects and promote healthier media consumption habits.
BY DAYO ADESULU
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