Television and Advertising

    During the last two weeks in class we have talked a lot about Television and Advertising and how they dominate our life and culture. Many people across the United States watch more than 8 hours of Television every singe day. They are consuming a lot of media and it shows that we are heading off to the digital age where everything now is becoming more about electronic. Television is important to American society because that is how majority of the people get their information about what is going on and what happening in the world. Television is also evolving as back then the picture was in black and white whereas now it's in color, and majority of the TV's now are in High Definition in which people can see clear beautiful pictures while watching their favorite programs, shows or sports. There are also now new channels in which it pertains to somebody's favorite activity such as the cooking channel for all those people that like to cook, Fox Soccer Channel for soccer lovers, E Network and Bravo for all those that like high drama and reality shows and many more. You can also view TV on your laptop or computer provided with a good internet connection. All the shows that you missed on TV you can most likely go online and watch a re-run of them with very limited commercial interruption.

     We also talked about Advertising and the way that it shapes our culture. A lot of people say that this is the branding culture and that we are attracted more to the brand rather than the product that is being sold. Whenever we see a commercial on TV such as a Nike ad we immediately go "I want these sneakers, or that blouse" because we are usually associated with that brand. Advertiser's spend billions of dollars each year to promote their products that people can buy them. With the help of the internet now and days they are also able to advertise their products online. Advertiser's usually though like to target kids in particular because they know that if the kids watch an ad on TV and they like it, chances are that they are going to start nagging their parents so that they can buy the products that they want. Kids are even targeted in Elementary school as companies are now placing more ads. Such as Coca-Cola placing a vending machine so that kids could go and buy it. We are becoming a nation of advertising and people now are merely seen for their value. If you were to go somewhere and you were wearing something nice then most people would immediately assume that you come from a higher class. Ads play a huge role in our life because we see them everywhere we go such as online, billboards, TV, and even listening to the radio on the morning.

     In conclusion I would like to say that Advertising and Television play a big role in our society. However though there are negative effects that go with it too. Such as if you watch too much Television it could be very bad for health and it may lead to problems in the future. A study done in England showed that If you watch too much TV it may be very bad for your heart and damage other cells in the body. Some people have actually gotten brain problems because of how much TV they are exposed too. Advertising to children is also wrong because it is unethical and unmoral. Kids cannot grasp of what is being advertised to them and companies know this and that it why they try to take full advantage of the situation. You should not be allowed to advertise to children that are at least 12 or younger because they are just not going to get it. As soon as they see a product they are going to immediately want it without thinking about it.