Introduction
Television remains a dominant medium in modern society, shaping cultural norms and individual behaviours, particularly among young people. This essay explores the negative influences of television on this demographic, focusing on its impact on mental health, social behaviour, and academic performance. While television can offer educational content, its potential to promote harmful stereotypes, encourage sedentary lifestyles, and expose young viewers to inappropriate material often overshadows these benefits. Through a critical examination of academic literature and evidence, this essay argues that television exerts a predominantly detrimental influence on young people, necessitating greater regulation and parental oversight. The discussion will address key areas of concern, weigh contrasting perspectives, and highlight the broader implications of these effects.
Impact on Mental Health and Body Image
One of the most significant concerns regarding television’s influence on young people is its effect on mental health, particularly through unrealistic portrayals of body image and lifestyle. Studies suggest that prolonged exposure to idealised images on television can lead to dissatisfaction with one’s appearance, especially among adolescents who are vulnerable to societal pressures. For instance, research by Grabe et al. (2008) highlights a correlation between television viewing and increased body dissatisfaction among young viewers, as media often glorifies unattainable beauty standards. This can contribute to low self-esteem and, in extreme cases, disorders such as anorexia or bulimia. Moreover, television advertisements frequently target impressionable audiences with consumerism-driven content that equates self-worth with material possessions, further exacerbating psychological stress. Although some programmes attempt to promote positive messages, the pervasive nature of commercial media often undermines these efforts, leaving young people at risk of internalising harmful ideals.
Influence on Social Behaviour and Violence
Television also shapes social behaviour among young people, often in detrimental ways. A considerable body of research points to the link between exposure to violent content on television and aggressive tendencies. Anderson et al. (2010) argue that repeated viewing of violent programming desensitises young individuals to real-world violence and can foster aggressive behaviour, particularly in those lacking adequate parental guidance. For example, popular action shows and video game adaptations often glorify conflict, presenting violence as a legitimate solution to problems. Furthermore, television can reinforce negative stereotypes and social biases, such as gender roles or racial prejudices, embedding these ideas in young minds during formative years. While some argue that television merely reflects societal issues rather than causes them, its role in amplifying harmful attitudes cannot be dismissed, especially given its accessibility and widespread consumption among youths.
Effect on Academic Performance and Lifestyle
Another critical area of concern is television’s impact on academic performance and lifestyle choices. Excessive screen time often displaces activities essential for intellectual and physical development, such as reading, studying, or engaging in sports. According to a study by Sharif and Sargent (2006), children and adolescents who watch more than two hours of television daily tend to exhibit poorer academic outcomes compared to their peers with limited exposure. This is arguably due to reduced concentration and disrupted sleep patterns caused by overstimulation from fast-paced shows. Additionally, television promotes a sedentary lifestyle, contributing to health issues like obesity—a growing concern in the UK, as noted in Public Health England reports (2019). While educational programming exists, the majority of content consumed by young people prioritises entertainment over learning, thus limiting television’s potential as a positive tool. Therefore, the medium’s role in fostering passivity and hindering academic growth remains a pressing issue.
Conclusion
In conclusion, television exerts a largely negative influence on young people through its impact on mental health, social behaviour, and academic performance. The medium’s tendency to promote unrealistic body images, glorify violence, and encourage sedentary habits poses significant risks to adolescents’ well-being and development. Although it can offer educational value, such benefits are often overshadowed by the prevalence of harmful content, as demonstrated by the evidence discussed. These findings underscore the need for stricter content regulations, enhanced media literacy programmes in schools, and proactive parental involvement to mitigate television’s adverse effects. Addressing these challenges is crucial to safeguarding young people from the pervasive and often detrimental influence of television in contemporary society. Indeed, without intervention, the long-term implications for future generations could be profound, highlighting the urgency of this issue within broader discussions of media and youth culture.
References
- Anderson, C. A., Shibuya, A., Ihori, N., Swing, E. L., Bushman, B. J., Sakamoto, A., Rothstein, H. R., & Saleem, M. (2010) Violent video game effects on aggression, empathy, and prosocial behavior in Eastern and Western countries: A meta-analytic review. Psychological Bulletin, 136(2), 151-173.
- Grabe, S., Ward, L. M., & Hyde, J. S. (2008) The role of the media in body image concerns among women: A meta-analysis of experimental and correlational studies. Psychological Bulletin, 134(3), 460-476.
- Public Health England (2019) Childhood obesity: a plan for action. UK Government.
- Sharif, I., & Sargent, J. D. (2006) Association between television, movie, and video game exposure and school performance. Pediatrics, 118(4), e1061-e1070.
