All levels of people, from young to old, cannot escape from being captivated by television since it was first invented (Leigh 2001). As evidenced by American Time Use Survey (2003), most people including men and women spent most of their time watching television, about 2 to 3 hours per day. There is a concern among psychologists and parents on extensive television viewing as it may affects children's thinking development and health (Sharif 1999). But, some claim that there are much more benefits that children can get from watching television. I totally agree with that as I firmly believe that television viewing brings more benefits to the viewer with the stand of this three cogent facts, it gives them access to the latest current events, a more efficient way of learning and also helps to develop their critical thinking skills.
Firstly, if television is used expeditiously, it can be a tool to know what is happening currently in the world through the news programmes. This has been further justified by Sharif (1999), whereby she mentions that television programmes help young people to have the access to the worldwide issues and it may inspire them to do charity works such as collecting money for victims of famine in Africa. Rutherford (2002) also admits that the habit of watching television gives public the knowledge which incites them to become involved and exert pressure on administration, major firms and even national governments. Additionally, it is “..also good talking points to share with friends.” (Sharif 1999, p.34). Hence, it proves that knowing the latest current news brings advantages to the public in many ways.
Secondly, television can be used as an additional dimension for learning process. People are more likely easier to accept new knowledge through audio-visual ways rather than simply read it on books (Leigh 2001). It is also agreed by Rutherford (2002), whereby he states that television viewing enables the viewers to know better about the culture and beauty of the other parts of the world, learn facts on flora and fauna in much more interesting and fun ways, and also enjoy the learning of scientific equation which actually involved several complicated steps. Kindergartners are able to count, distinguish letters of the alphabet and even complete words before they enter school through watching television program (Leigh 2001). “These children also tend to have a larger vocabulary.” (Leigh 2001, pp.24-25). Ultimately, it is indisputable proof that watching television brings positive impacts to people educationally.
Thirdly, television viewing can benefit the viewers in a way of developing their critical thinking skills. Such skill is a crux in both social settings and even at school. For instance, family members can discuss whether the method shown in a television programme to solve a conflict is applicable in real-life situation or not and thus comply with the development of their critical thinking (Sharif 1999). Leigh (2001), also comes to this conclusion whereby he states that since television offers variety of show on a wide range of human problems ranging from globalisation to homelessness, it encourages critical thinking among the public about the issues. Briefly, television can be used as an engaging medium to sharpen the thinking skills of viewers.
In short, television viewing brings more benefits to the viewers since it provides viewers with the latest current news, an enjoyable way of learning and also encourages development of people’s thinking skills. When used properly, actually, watching television is absolutely valuable (Rutherford 2002). With that, I am prone to my stance that television viewing brings more benefits than harms.
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