How Television Has Changed the World

Since the first television was invented in 1925 by John Logie, television has changed people’s lives.

Nowadays, television has grown to become an essential part of most households with at least one TV in every house. Television helps to teach us with educational programs and documentaries, inform us of international events and world news, and entertain us with creative shows.

Some people consider television to be a time-wasting and brainwashing mass medium as TV addiction has been a problem for decades. However, it is important to acknowledge how television can positively influence our lives and our actions. Television can help people from all social, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds to develop values, form perceptions, and spread ideas about major global issues.

Television and technology have changed dramatically over the past hundred years, with the numerous cable options and platforms, we now have access to amazing content anytime and anywhere. Here are 4 ways television has changed the world.

Access to International Events

Television is a mass medium that can keep us up-to-date with the latest news, provide access for millions in international events, and let us learn about different cultures and places around the world. Whether programs are experienced by a large audience or individually, great programs can stir powerful and inspiring emotions.

Sports events such as the World Cup, the Super Bowl, and the Olympic Games have gained global popularity and engagement thanks to television antennas which can pick up satellite signals millions of miles away. Tragedies such as 9/11 were witnessed internationally by many viewers and inspired people to come together as one united global community. Developments in technology and memorable events such as the Moon Landing were celebrated as defining moments in human history thanks to the footage that the world saw on television.

New Perceptions

With millions of people having access to television, new communities are formed and conversations are initiated regarding social issues, global movements, and international events. Along with the emergence of the Internet and social media sites, people from all over the world can discuss their views and be exposed to different opinions.

Storytelling is a powerful way to foster and create values, teach new social norms, and encourage social cooperation in communities. Now due to the globalizing effect of television, values from different countries and cultures can be adopted interchangeably through news, educational programs, and TV series. For instance, in some rural areas, women are reportedly less likely to tolerate domestic violence and abuse due to how television has positively impacted and influenced their perceptions.

Global News

News channels have the ability to reach billions of viewers in real-time, providing information, and alerting people to events and important news from both within their country and on a global scale. Television is more than a form of entertainment, it is an integral tool for people to understand the world better.

Human minds are more sophisticated and we think critically of the world around us as well as its on-going changes. In today’s world, we have a wide variety of news sources from television to other forms of news acquiring channels such as online news sites, radio, and newspapers. It is clear, however, that television is still a major source of news and it has a huge impact on society.

Human Knowledge

Television is not only informative and entertaining but it also contributes to our collective knowledge and education. Documentaries and education programs provide visually appealing and informative insights into nature, culture, society, environment, and wildlife. There are many educational programs that focus on academic subjects that are taught in schools such as mathematics, social studies, and science. Other programs focus on fostering social skills including social interactions, imagination, analytical behaviors, and creativity.

Educational and prosocial programs are proven to promote cognitive development, especially in children. Children can benefit tremendously from well-designed and appropriate television programs with great content, comprehensible language, repetition, and eye-catching visuals.

Nowadays, there is a huge amount of channels and content available to us at any time of the day, no matter where we are. People have various options including cable television, TV packages, and online streaming. Despite the rise of mobile devices and the Internet, television still holds an important part in our lives as a trusted source of information, an endless flow of entertainment and a great way to spend time together as a family. For now, however, whatever you are looking for, whether that be educational programs, news or entertainment shows, television is sure to have you covered.