Argumentative essay:Television viewing Draft 2

The effects of television viewing.

Watching television is indeed one of the favorite pass time activities by people from all walks of life. From American Time Use Survey (2003), watching television is the activity that both female and male spent the most hours on it every day. With television viewing getting more and more popular, it creates different perspectives on the effects that the activity might bring. Heated debates over the impacts of television watching for the viewers are getting more intensive lately. Nevertheless, I strongly believe that television can benefit its viewers as it lightens up the learning process, broadens our knowledge and encourages critical thinking.

First of all, the use of television as a teaching tool makes learning to be fun. As an audio-visual medium, television has provided another aspect on learning for the students (Leigh 2001). They can understand more easily and remember the information that they have seen and heard in the television better than just reading from the books. Rutherford (2002) has also further elaborated this point by using the example of “Sesame Street”, an educational program. Animation and puppets which are used in the show can make the learning of colours, numbers and letters to be fun for the pre-schoolers.

Moreover, viewing of television provides us with handy information to increase our knowledge. According to Leigh (2001), children who watch television are more aware of their cultural identity and the contribution of other cultures. Watching television also enables them to experience the excitement and wonder of the animal kingdom in an entertaining and enjoyable way (Rutherford 2002). Besides, television viewing generates curiosity and initiative to learn. For instance, “Play School” program equips pre-schoolers with a large vocabulary before they begin schooling (Leigh 2001).

Additionally, television viewing has the ability to develop critical thinking through the process of discussing how conflict is puzzled out in the programs (Sharif 1999). Undeniable by Leigh (2001), television is a stimulating and appealing medium which encourages critical thinking about important issues, ranging from globalization to homelessness. These latest local and international news can inspire the public to become involved and to motivate them to do works of charity. Sharing of issues and good talking points from television programs with friends and family has also promoted antisocial behaviour indirectly. Throughout the process of sharing and discussing, the skill of critical thinking, which is necessary in both social settings and at school, is developed.

In conclusion, viewing of television brings good effects for its viewers as it lightens up the learning process, broadens our knowledge and encourages critical thinking. Nevertheless, arguments are present for the opposite side of view where television is criticized. We should be clear that those criticisms are only focusing on the viewing habits that are unhealthy and excessive (Rutherford 2002). Therefore, I would once again emphasize on my stance that television viewing actually benefits the viewers.