Five Values Television Has for You

James Berardinelli is a renowned and revered film critic. Born in 1967, he began to write at a tender age and gradually made his way in the world of movie review. James is recognized for neither mincing nor sugarcoating his words in his analysis and review of movies. One of his best-reviewed movies, The Sessions, was reviewed in November 2012. His reviews have been phenomenal, producing massive impacts on the public perception of the movies. His contribution to the progress of the film industry and film review lays a foundation for discussion in this essay. This essay seeks out and highlights some of the positive attributes and values that are credited to television viewing.

Television viewing has a negative tag on the influence on the viewers for a long time, particularly students and youth (Anderson, Daniel & Reed 21). Despite some of its proven negative effects on the youth, it is not all bad news, as there are a number of valuable attributes associated with watching television. These, however, do not consider the amount of time spent watching television, but rather, the content of the watched shows. One positive influence of television is its educational value. Insightful television shows aid in broadening and increasing knowledge largely (Selnow, Gary & Richard 12). They also contribute to improving creativity, enhance imagination, build a culture of innovation and give valuable insight on lifelong skills that go a long way in improving the subjects’ lives and society in general.

Constantly and regularly repeated communication, particularly advertisement messages, has a positive correlation with cognitive processes, improving memory and the ability to recall information earlier learnt. The third benefit is a debatable issue. It has been the general feeling that subjects exposed to violent television shows, over time begin to exhibit elements of aggression themselves (Anderson, Daniel & Reed 21). A significant number of research studies disagree with this notion. On the contrary, such studies have pointed out to the finding that violent television shows help young people develop a more calm and collected countenance with milder temperaments than they initially had. The violent shows trigger and evoke a more tolerant attitude that goes a long way in producing a better person with under-control emotions.

Pro-social television shows pave way for the fourth value associated with watching television. Shows that promote and encourage an amicable and peaceful coexistence with one’s environment, up to and including the people in it, in the end, help to build strong personalities that help one associate easily and beneficially with the environment. Finally, a good show, watched together by the whole family does wonders in the creation of a new, different, yet exciting avenue of bonding. Ample time creates within brief conversations as the show progresses, and in essence, these acts as a social magnet, drawing the family closer together and developing a critical chord that serves to unite the family as one entity. The family becomes closer and a better home accrues. This, indeed, is a unique and inexpensive way of creating a rapport with one’s family.

In conclusion, it is evident that television has effect on the social life of the viewers. The media acts as a powerful tool for remitting information. However, the extent of information showing on a television is debatable depending on the content. Some materials may not be helpful to the underage. Therefore, regulation of content through parental guidance is paramount. Nonetheless, television remains one of the most popular media tools throughout the world.