In the era of technology, the coined term “couch potato” was the result of television’s effects contrary to what we hoped for. As the standard of living continued to improve, the cost of television became more affordable and is now common in the average American’s home. Television has been isolating people from society by “making the world smaller”, and by becoming commonplace.
Global events aired on television have made the world a smaller place. It became an effective way in raising awareness in world events, ranging from sports to international affairs. Offering access to the world, television eliminates the need to go out and travel, thus lessening the potent interactions among people. For example, travel shows may make viewers content with merely seeing a place on screen; sport games aired on television offers the same vicarious satisfication as actual watching the match live in the stadium. This conveniency restricts communication as people sit in front the screen with knowledge on everything that’s going on. By discouraging travel and communication, television has ended up isolating people.
As rapid changes in modern life made television more affordable, it became ubiquitous to many. As a result, more than one television sets are found in average American homes. Also, due to the countless TV programs available, it is not likely for the family members to agree upon watching the same channel. Instead, they watch what they desire respectively, and consequently become isolated from the rest of the world. Before the invention of the television, families had to formulate their own means of entertainment. However, families can now simply sit themselves in front of the television and be entertained. By cutting interpersonal relationships within families and outside families, television ended up isolating people.
The invention of television has isolated people instead of getting them closer. It had made communication; this diminished communication decreased...