The Influence of TV Social Effects of TV

Why should we be interested in T.V when studying culture? T.V is a reflection of culture or social reality like music, it is a ‘social ritual’ in which we all share It is produced for a mass audience which makes it part of ‘popular culture’ It transmits cultural values or dominant ideology It is capable of satisfying the cultural needs of a diverse group of viewers T.V is an ‘agent’ of socialisation - we construct our identities based on different representations and role models

TV: Good or Bad? Does TV change our minds? Does TV impact our lives? Does TV make us a better person? Does TV enrich our lives?

TV: Good or Bad? On a good day, TV: entertains informs persuades enlightens educates

The ways we watch TV

TV Good or Bad? On a bad day, TV: desensitizes the world to violence reduces political discourse to soundbites fosters short attention spans promotes a sedentary lifestyle encourages crass materialism demeans women and fathers

TV: Good or Bad? What is television’s responsibility to its viewers? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8MjoB3vgv8

TV and Sex 75% of prime time series feature some form of sexual content -- either physical or verbal. Two years ago, 67% featured “sex.” Sexual intercourse is firmly suggested in 10% of all shows. Just 10% of all shows with sexual content make even a passing reference to “safe sex.”

TV and Sex A study by the Parents Television Council reported that “objectionable” material aired in what was formerly considered the family viewing hour has increased by 75% in the last 18 months. 94% of sex on television is between people who are not married to each other. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fwOHLnxZIU

TV and Sex Teens watch four hours of television daily. Research shows that television “hastens the initiation of sexual activity” in teens. But, research also shows that television can be an effective source of information about birth control, STDs, date rape, etc.

TV and Stereotypes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FD9NSBGzb8 Only 1.4 percent of major characters in TV are African-American (13% of total U.S. population) Asian/Pacific and Latino/Hispanic characters are also under-represented. Men outnumber women 2-1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FD9NSBGzb8 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yQULP-P5q8

TV and Politics Since 1960, the media has been the most dominant influence in politics. The media help candidates gain political awareness. News coverage helps determine issues -- agenda-setting. Political ads can significantly help or hurt a candidate. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtcX4aC5keI

TV and Politics Televised debates between candidates (and the accompanying coverage) bring attention to the candidates and the issues. Election coverage, specifically exit polls, can have a significant impact on voter turnout. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Q_DRbv-5rk

TV and Politics In 1952, Walt Disney created a commercial for Dwight Eisenhower – “You like Ike. I like Ike. Everybody likes Ike.” Political advertising first became a separate advertising category in 1970 when candidates spent $12 million on television commercials.

TV and Politics In the next 18 months, candidates are expected to spent $3 billion on political ads. That’s a 43 percent increase from 2006.

TV and Violence Over 3,000 sociological studies have demonstrated that television teaches children that guns and violence solve problems. These studies agree that television and its portrayal of violence affects the way children perceive people and that is shapes the expectations about their future.

TV and Violence George Gerbner says the use of gratuitous violence on television creates anxiety -- a viewer’s expectations of violence are far greater than the actual threat. Viewers also become desensitized to violence. Viewers don’t see the consequences of violence. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygEM9rq0xTw

TV and Violence By the end of elementary school, children will have seen 10,000 violence acts on television (8,000 are murders). By the end of high school, that figure jumps to 200,000 violence acts (14,000 murders). Children become less sensitive to the pain and suffering of others.

TV and Violence Children may become more fearful of the world around them. Children may be more likely to behave in aggressive or harmful ways toward others. However, the overall violence figures among kids is falling. The number of children under the age of 17 who commit murder is 65 percent lower than it was in 1993.

TV and Shame We like to watch other people being humiliated. American Idol Jerry Springer The Bachelor/Bachelorette Wipeout

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=he2VN1TDVy4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCBVkRTth3E