Suzanne Marlatt Stewart
For seniors, one of our main sources of entertainment is our television. Most of us have the awareness that not everything we see on TV, social media, or movies should we believe. Correct? Maybe not. We are more likely to watch television than engage in any other activity. A wave of new social science research shows that the quality of shows can influence us in important ways, shaping our thinking and political preferences, even affecting our cognitive ability.
I think we agree that TV and radio commercials can be annoying. They are designed to trigger an emotion. Here are some of the phrases and the emotions they provoke:
• Don’t get left behind (fear of missing out)
• There are no hidden costs (trust)
• Do your taxes in half the time (timesaver)
• Your contribution can provide clean water for these children (guilt)
• There’s nothing else better than this (value)
• Be like your favorite celeb (set a trend)
• Be the first to take advantage of this special offer (be a leader)
I recently bought some items on the Temu website. Great prices, but beware. Now I am constantly getting bombarded on my computer with their ads. It has become very annoying, but definitely a tactic used to keep consumers buying.
Hundreds of studies of the effects of TV and movie violence on children and teenagers have found that children may:
• Become “immune” or numb to the horror of violence
• Begin to accept violence to solve problems
• Imitate the violence they observe on television
• Identify with certain characters, victims, and/or victimizers
Monitoring what our children and grandchildren watch is important.
Some TV shows can evoke negative emotions, such as anger, sadness, or fear. Negative emotions can be detrimental to mental health, and it is important to be aware of how TV shows affect our emotions and mood. Shows can also contribute to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Recognize the role that shows play in our social lives and to use them in a way that fosters connection rather than disconnection.
Whether we like it or not, TV shows can shape our opinions and attitudes towards social issues, such as race, gender, and sexuality. The underlying messages can impact public policy decisions, such as social equity. According to a study by The New York Times, the quality of shows can influence viewers’ political preferences and shape our thinking. Also, news programs have a significant impact on political discourse and policy decisions, often inciting emotions rather than facts.
Recognize that the choices we make are influenced by the TV shows we watch, and we need to be mindful of the messages that we are receiving. It is also imperative to use impartial fact check sources when viewing or listening to the media so we can make our own informed decisions.
Rev. Suzanne, a resident of SaddleBrooke, is an independent writer and speaker. She was ordained non-denominational, representing all faiths, and her focus is “inclusive.” Email: [email protected]