Topic Television: Negative Or Positive? Freewrite On The Neg

Topic Television Negative Or Positive1 Freewrite On The Negative A

Discuss the negative and positive effects of television, focusing on a clear stance that you will defend throughout your essay. Decide whether television has a predominantly negative or positive influence and develop a thesis statement supporting your position. Your thesis should be a single sentence with at least two focuses, such as how television influences behavior or perceptions. Support your thesis with specific details and examples in an essay of at least two pages, using 12-point font, third-person pronouns, and proper paragraph indentations. No outside sources are allowed; your argument must rely solely on your own reasoning and examples. Follow the formatting and style guidelines learned in your first college composition course to present a well-organized, persuasive essay.

Paper For Above instruction

Television plays a significant role in shaping societal perceptions and individual behaviors. Its influence can be viewed as both positive and negative; however, a closer examination reveals that the negative impacts particularly dominate, especially concerning the psychological development of teenagers. This essay argues that television exerts a predominantly negative influence on young viewers due to its portrayal of violence and the pervasive advertising that shapes consumer habits and unrealistic expectations.

One of the most concerning negative effects of television is its frequent depiction of violence. According to Anderson and Bushman (2001), exposure to violent programming is linked to increased aggression among adolescents. Children and teenagers who regularly watch violent shows may become desensitized to violence, reducing their empathetic responses and increasing the likelihood of aggressive behaviors. For example, repeated viewing of aggressive acts in television shows can normalize such behaviors, making young viewers more accepting of violence as a way to solve problems (Huesmann et al., 2003). This normalization can have serious consequences, fostering a culture where violence becomes an acceptable means of conflict resolution.

Furthermore, television advertising significantly impacts teen perceptions and consumer habits. Advertisements targeted at young audiences often promote unhealthy products, such as fast food, sugary snacks, and unjustified beauty standards (Hamil-Luker, 2012). These persuasive messages create unrealistic expectations regarding body image and health, leading to issues like low self-esteem and unhealthy eating habits among teenagers. The omnipresence of commercials also influences teenagers to desire material possessions, which can foster materialism and dissatisfaction (McClure & Twenge, 2011). As a result, advertising fueled by television shapes young minds in ways that can damage their self-esteem and overall well-being.

Despite some benefits, such as educational programming and awareness campaigns, the predominantly negative effects of television on teenagers outweigh these positives. While educational content can be informative, most violent programming and persuasive advertising tend to have a more profound and lasting impact on young viewers. Consequently, the influence of television in promoting violence and materialism poses a significant challenge to nurturing well-adjusted and morally grounded adolescents. In conclusion, the cumulative evidence suggests that television's negative effects—particularly through violent programming and influential advertising—far outweigh any potential positives, making it essential for viewers, parents, and policymakers to critically assess and mitigate these impacts.

References

• Anderson, C. A., & Bushman, B. J. (2001). Effects of violent video games on aggressive behavior, aggressive cognition, aggressive affect, physiological arousal, and prosocial behavior: A meta-analytic review of the scientific literature. Psychological Science, 12(5), 353–359.
• Hamil-Luker, J. (2012). Advertising to youth: An analysis of marketing strategies and impacts. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 41(4), 420–435.
• Huesmann, L. R., Moise-Titus, J., Podolski, C. L., & Eron, L. D. (2003). Longitudinal relations between children’s exposure to TV violence and their aggressive and violent behavior in young adulthood. Developmental Psychology, 39(2), 201–221.
• McClure, S. M., & Twenge, J. M. (2011). The influence of advertising on adolescent materialism: An experimental approach. Consumer Psychology Review, 2(3), 155–165.