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Date Posted: 11:19:50 12/08/04 Wed
Author: By Nestor U. Torre
Subject: Negative effects of television

Negative effects of television

Updated 05:37am (Mla time) Dec 08, 2004
By Nestor U. Torre/Inquirer News Service

Editor's Note: Published on page A2-3 of the December 8, 2004 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer


TELEVISION has become such a prevalent, ubiquitous peripatetic part of our lives that we don't pay it much mind-except when it really becomes excessively irresponsible, over-the-top and exploitative, and shocks us into belated and retroactive concern.

Otherwise, as media observers handily sum it up, we're grateful to that TV set in our home because it serves us in many different ways: as a time-filler ("You have nothing to do? Watch TV"); a tranquilizer ("The kids are so hyper, they need to watch for a while to simmer down"); a problem solver ("Kids, stop fighting--it's time for your favorite show!"); a punishment ("If you don't stop teasing your little sister, no TV for you!"), a reward ("If you get a high mark in the examination, you can watch an extra hour of TV"), and a procrastination device ("I'll just watch one more program before I do my homework").

In the Philippines, we have thought up yet other uses for TV--as an electronic "yaya [nanny]," as a rich source of chismis (gossip), as a way to make some extra money by joining the many contests and raffles that abound on the local boob tubes. So, we do our foreign counterparts three better!

On the other hand, irresponsible and exploitative television worries parents and educators because of its negative effect on young and therefore vulnerable viewers.

Aside from their obvious problem, TV has been found to be less helpful in these ways:

It keeps families from engaging in other activities. Psychologists have noted that families that watch TV a lot don't engage enough in the talks, games, festivities and discussions through which much of a child's learning takes place, and through which his character is formed.

TV is so appealing that it upstages many other activities. Children are likely to choose watching TV over having a story read to them, for instance.

And children reject most other family activities, because they regard them as "boring" when compared to the habit-forming "excitement" of television.

It takes the place of play. Before children are 3 years old, opportunities for active play and exploration are hugely diminished, and replaced by the hypnotic gratification of televiewing.

TV makes children less resourceful. Since watching TV makes diversion so easy and pleasurable, children don't feel the need to look for more active alternatives. As a result, they become more passive than they should be, and don't develop initiative and creativity.

TV makes children want to be like everybody else. Television is so popular as a mass medium that it quickly establishes trends and fads that millions of young people instantly latch onto and imitate in order to "belong."

Unfortunately, they don't become their own persons, and just take the easy way out for acceptable by doing what most other kids are doing. Where's the originality, creativity and dynamism in that? (To be concluded.)

Feedback
FROM Paul R. Mortel of Marikina City: "We very badly need a good film archive where excellent Filipino movies can be stored for future generations to enjoy and learn from.

"Let's hope that once the country's economy improves, the government will give the establishment of a film archive a priority. (There are so many laws passed by Congress that remain unimplemented because the government does not have the money.)"

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