Television as an idiot box

S Keerthana

The television or as some may call it the “idiot box” has been in our lives for decades. It replaced the radio, and grew to be the fundamental electronic transmitting device that no household can last without. Nowadays, every household has at least one television set; and the average American watches approximately 5 hours a day of TV programs; making watching TV the most common routine among people. Television is mainly used for entertainment. However, some people use the TV to watch the news, shows, movies, reality TV, or even documentaries. Basically, television has every possible show to accommodate every possible taste. Children can watch cartoons, animi or educational shows. While adults use the TV to watch the news, movies, reality TV, programs, and documentaries. Over time, television has grown a bad reputation. Consequently, it became an intense debate topic. Some may argue that TV is just an idiot box used to numb our minds. While others believe that watching TV can make you smarter, and more alert.
TV is a shallow medium. It does not leave any significant scope for applying our brains to what we watch. Most of the TV viewing is predominantly passive consumption. The hypodermic needle theory of communication applies superlatively to the TV as a mode of mass communication. The production and consumption model of television content is such that it intends that media messages are injected directly into the brains of a laid-back audience.
Television is also a transient medium, i.e., whatever is being broadcasted lasts only for a short period. Biologically, humans can retain a visual impression for about 1/30 of a second and sound for 0.1 seconds. So, the prospect of applying brains consciously is an arduous function.
TV and TV characters casually promote stereotypes affecting self-esteem, body-positivity, gender norms, class division, etc.

Soap Operas set templates of rituals, celebrations, functions, even religions among other things. Homogenised content of this genre and its popularity have institutionalised stereotypes in society, families, and communities. Largely, who watches what on the television decides whether it is an Idiot Box or not!