Many critics assert that TV is responsible for “dumbing” down’ society. Many others argue that television contributes to a shared culture, which exceeds geographic and ethnic restrictions by tackling the ‘hyper real’. One thing is of certainty and that is television’s influential role in transforming society from one that is dominated by print to one that is dominated by image. The Medium is in fact the message, as Marshall McLuhan once said.
This article examines the 10 ways television influences people’s behavior. How has it changed society’s perception, beliefs, and attitudes to life and stereotypes? Let’s take a look.
1. Violence:
Violence on television distorts violence as being good and acceptable. American children watch approximately 4 hours of television a day. Regrettably, today’s television programming is violent and influences children’s behavior and views on violence. Many studies have shown children becoming immune and numb to violence, acceptant of violence as a way to resolve problems and wanting to imitate what they observe on television.
2. Cigarettes/cigars:
Cigarette companies were one of the first to advertise on television. Many actors and characters on television are still frequently showed smoking cigars, cigarettes and experimenting with other drugs. When exposed to enormous advertising like this, viewers are prone to smoke even more. They thus see smoking as something that is the norm.
3. Swearing:
Not all profane language is censored on television. Many shows stipulate that viewer discretion is advised. The more times swearing and profanity is used on television, the more it can be seen as the norm. Children especially are likely to repeat what they hear because they find the language funny. Picking up on cues are very easy for children.
4. Idealness:
The media creates the ideal image of females and males, especially on television. Up until recently you would hardly see someone who is obese starring in a major role on television. You usually would have someone who is slim, muscular, and in perfect physique etc. Many people want to conform to these stereotypes. They also would like to be accepted by peers. They try to mimic the perfect/ideal shape exhibited on television.
5. Moral Decay:
Many television critics believe that television promotes cupidity and disregard for social responsibility. Daytime television is one example of this portrayal as it illustrate bank robberies, mafia wars, theft, murder etc. Critics have argued that such television shows have contributed to the moral decay or even rot in the society.
This is certainly the first rule to impress a person. Don’t ever try to impress anyone. It reflects in your behaviour. The best way to impress someone is not trying to impress them. People who try too hard to impress will only end up giving an impression that they are showing off. So the main mantra here is, be subtle. Do not over do any act to create an impression. You may soon be a matter of boredom.
Punctuality is one of the most important elements that contribute towards the building up of a good impression. Being on time is absolutely essential each time every time. Being on time or at least two minute before time for any event or meeting just shows your seriousness. This will help you to impress others big time.
This is another important aspect which everyone should keep in mind. Speaking sensible and speaking less always helps to build a good impression. If you keep on blabbering and basically half of what you say doesn’t make any sense will not be entertained by people much. It will just fetch you a negative impression and people will least bother to hear you. So be precise on what you say and be sensible.
Humility is the quality of being modest, even politely submissive, and never being arrogant, contemptuous, rude or even self-abasing. This is the best quality any human being can have. Always be humble towards others. Whatever the situation is however big you are or great things you did never be arrogant and never be boastful of your talent. I humble person can win hearts of people at any given situation. When people praise you for a something good you did, be humble and acknowledge the gesture with humility. This will keep you down to earth and you can do even greater things in life as success comes to those who respect success.
A smile can win a heart, and it’s absolutely true in impressing people as well. Smile when they say something funny, and speak with a half smile. Smiling is actually very powerful. You can change someone’s whole behaviour towards you simply by flashing a quick innocent smile. What is also important with regards to smile is, don’t over do it. It can have a reverse effect if you continuously keep a grinning face. But then again, a sweet smile can win hearts for you.
