Assessing The Negative And Positive Effects Of Television Viewing On The Students Behaviour

Introduction

1.1 Background Of The Study

Technology simplifies our lives and becomes a part of them wherever we go. Before the rampant growth of technology, there was a major source of technological innovation, and that was television. Television sets have grown to be a major industry all over the world. Almost everyone in the world has a television set in their home, and every day, more and more people are becoming interested in it. By touching its button and by searching different channels, it gives us benefits and solutions to our challenges in the modern-faced world. This includes receiving reports from local and world events, to inspire young minds by exploring geography and history, watch a fantasy, and to entertain us. Television also tends to escape from the reality, which gives us a temporary relief from our problems in life or when we feel depressed. because the television industry is expanding, television networks are always interested in learning about their audience’s preferences for the types of programs they want to watch. Audiences have a significant impact on the television industry; without them, there would be no image on the screen. Adults are most likely the ones who watch, but as time passes, children are also considered a part of their audience, so television networks co-opt them. Children benefit greatly from television because they become more aware of and connected to the physical happenings in their modern-day society (Gunter and McAleer, 1997: xii-xiii). They also stated that television is not a “one-eyed monster” waiting to spread evil among the household’s children. This implies that when a child watches a significant program be it educational, informative, and values-promoted shows their intellectual growth will increase. The second positive effect of television on children is that it helps them learn basic languages. According to studies, if they watch educational programs, they are more likely to learn basic shapes, numbers, letters, and so on. However, Naigles and Mayeux (2001) discovered that under certain conditions, children learn words and their meanings from educational programs designed specifically for them (age, content etc). One of the most serious negative effects of television on children is violence. Television violence has been on the rise in recent years. According to studies, a child may see an average of 32 acts per hour on the screen (Gerbner). Because of the number of violent acts a child may witness, there is a mental problem known as “copycat phenomenon.” The Copycat Phenomenon is defined as imitating or copying a person’s act or behavior from a particular show. Sparks (2013). For example, if a child sees on television a person who acts violently, he or she may imitate that person’s actions; further, if the child continues to imitate until he or she grows up, the impersonation becomes his or her personality. Furthermore, it leads to an increase in crime and harm, making it very concerning when a child is involved. Violent television teaches children, step by step, how to make mistakes and commit violent acts (Cline, 1989, 2B.). It clearly impact all of their interpersonal facets until it affects their behaviors. Anxiety, terror, trauma, and even depression may result from a child’s emotions (Wilson, 2008). For starters, they can experience distress. Second, their terror grows. According to one report, several children have had short-term responses to tv. As they watch a horror movie (for example, Monster House), they respond quickly and are likely scared. As a consequence, they become depressed after seeing it, resulting in trauma. When they encounter a single news clip that features disaster or crime, it can amplify these results. As a consequence, infants are terrified of entering the physical world. They may find it impossible to articulate themselves, and they will see the natural world as more difficult and confusing, and they may become victims of real crime. It’s perfectly natural, but their emotional ability can make it more challenging to deal with. Students may benefit from watching television in both positive and harmful ways. Positive benefits involve improving learning habits and recognizing feelings, whereas negative effects include aggression, offensive behavior, and emotional disorders.

1.2 Statement Of Problem

Students devote a significant portion of their time to viewing tv shows. Television shows have a major impact on children. Parents and guardians bear a significant amount of liability for giving appropriate guidance to children on the development of viewing behaviors, the selection of television programs, and the effect of television on children. Most behavioral psychologists believe that if children see so much tv, they would be deprived of more healthier behaviors. students still struggle to grasp the fundamental distinction between reality and fiction. The tv, which is renowned for its glamour, is very appealing to children. The age and level of a child’s growth, according to experience, creates a significant difference. It’s also true that repetitive events will develop into cycles that start in childhood and last into adolescence. Prejudices are not instilled in children at birth; rather, they are learned by the individuals around them. students may be introduced to legends, rituals, and songs by television. Students perceptions of others can be influenced by the impressions they get from television.

1.3 Objective Of The Study

The following are primary objectives of the study

To examine the negative effects of television viewing on students behaviour

To assess the positive effects of television viewing on students behaviour

To investigate the effects of television viewing on the academic performance of students

1.4 Research Questions

What are the negative effects of television viewing on students behaviour

What are the positive effects of television viewing on students behaviour

What are the effects of television viewing on the academic performance of students

1.5 Significance Of The Study

This study will be of significant to parents and guardians as it will serve as a guide in knowing what shows will enhance a child’s development and limit the ones that will affect them negatively. It will also be of benefit to scholars and researcher who will wish to carry out further research on this study.

1.6 Scope Of The Study

The purpose of this research is to assess the negative and positive effects of television viewing on students behaviour. The sample respondent of this study will be the students of surefoot international school.

1.7 Limitation Of The Study

Finance, time constraint and lack of research materials were the major challenges the researcher encountered during the course of this study.

1.8 Definition Of Terms

Television:

A system for converting visual images (with sound) into electrical signals, transmitting them by radio or other means, and displaying them electronically on a screen.