Cause & Effect

Cause & Effect

Long Chau
Composition II
Cause & Effect

Watching too much television is a major problem in the world today that we need to acknowledge. TV produces more problems than it offers blessings. The first problem is no matter how good our intentions are to watch only worthwhile programming, once we start watching, we become glued to the television screen like it has some type of hypnotic power.
I'm changing the subject for a moment, but there's a reason for it, so please bear with me. Now and then an insect will find its way into my home. No matter how small it is, once it's spotted, my dog remains transfixed and finally attacks the bug. My dog's behavior is due to what is called the orienting response. That simply means that sudden movement grabs my cat's attention. We too have inherited this primitive response, the purpose of it is to alert us to the dangers of possible predators. Ever jump in fear because of a shadow or cringe in horror when something unidentifiable quickly moved across your path? They are examples of the orienting response. The rapidly flickering, ever changing colors and shifting contrast of the TV screen seem to have the same effect. TV captivates and transfixes us. So, before long we are watching not for the content, but for the contrast, change, and captivating swirl of images. That is the danger. We may decide to catch a one-hour educational program, but find ourselves immobilized by TV's power and end up watching longer than we originally planned.
Many of the students in school today fail because they watch too much television. Students usually after coming home from school will usually hit the books, while others will avoid their homework by watching television. TV viewing can replace activities that we know help with school, such as reading, doing homework, pursuing hobbies, and getting enough sleep. Watching television can also throw one’s concentration off by making them feel passive and sleepy.   It decreases one’s...