Since the dawning of time, man has sought to invent something as ergonomically and as illuminatingly precious as our praised and longed for black box. From something that at the time seemed so radical and somewhat out of place, the television is now found in almost every room in every building and home through out the world. Being such a high thing on demand, one would only guess that humans spend a lot of time interacting and processing information being received by satellite constantly through these ingenious devices. Mostly used at our leisure, the television transmits commercials promoting businesses, merchandise, movies, sitcoms, cartoons, the daily news and many other forms of entertainment that humans seem to best unwind to by watching. Having so many different terms and sub headings that fall under this very important word in the new age of today, it would be difficult to specify in particular ways in which this specific technology has become a very influential way of life, thus in particular this essay will focus on the television and how indeed it has come to influence and shape the lives of human beings, in particular the youth culture of today, through ways of thinking, being and living.
The first functioning and mechanically successful machine that was able to emphasize sound and rapidly changing images was transmitted by John Logie Baird in 1925. Its main function was however more mechanical than electrical. His idea and creation worked on the basis of reflective lights being shone onto a piece of cardboard which then cast a shadow at a pair of discs that were rotated by an electric motor that gave a very similar outcome or vision to that of what we see on our televisions on a more advanced level today. It was later on that new scientists and idealists came along to make this invention more technical and vivid through the invention of the color television which arose and were placed on the market by the year of 1949. Since then the television has taken the world by storm and the advances in visual screening and effects for consumers has reached melodramatic levels. (http://www.skwirk.com/p-c_s-11_u-56_t-89_c-313/the-history-of-television/nsw/science-technology/visual-ventures/where-did-television-come-from-)
Though perhaps many of us would claim that the television has no effect on our lives and how we live, studies have proven that indeed this is not the case. The term technological determinism is explained and further explored by Andrew Murphy and John Potts in a book they published named ‘Culture and Technology.’ This novel criticizes and argues the theoretical and the practical framework that holds culture and technology together as unison. Technological determinism refers to the belief that technology is the agent of social change. Technological change is treated as if autonomous; removed from social pressures; it follows a logic or imperative of its own. This process holds that a successful technical innovation, if implemented on a sufficiently wide scale, will generate a new type of society (Murphy and Potts 2003 p 11.) This has definitely been the case through the invention of the television.
The way many of us talk, dress and communicate is done through the heavy influence of what is being broadcasted on television. Unconventionally we are all being fed warped views on life through the glass screen in our living rooms or kitchens. For example, very Americanized T.V shows such as Sex and the City and Beverley Hills 90210 promote and are mainly based on the promiscuous activities of numerous different individuals’ lives. Due to the fact that shows such as these plus many more are being broadcasted world wide to all types of audiences, in particular our youth culture of today that are the most influenced by what we see on TV, it has become less unheard of or deemed immoral for young people to be taking part in licentious activities.
The TV is also one of the most effective ways for companies targeting our youth to promote their fashion labels and designs. It keeps many of us updated as to what looks good through the eyes of consumer companies. It encourages girls to be attired in outfits and in makeup that makes them more appealing to the opposite sex. Adds for designer fragrances and swimwear are played out by high class models with chiseled features and toned bodies. This of course is having a major impact on our youth and the shock culture of today. With the teenage fertility rate being 16.3 babies per 1 000 women in Australia and the teenage abortion rate Each year being 24 out of every 1000 teenage girls, any influence to promote these acts of belligerence need to be discouraged rather than encouraged (ABS, The Sydney Morning Herald.) Other causes for concern are problematic issues for many youths such as STDS and other sexually transmitted viruses such as aids which running at an extreme pace through our society. It has been debated for many years that the television has not been a very good guide for the youth of today to be following.
…we have to eat, but we do not have to have ‘cuisines,’ Big Macs or Tournedos Rossini. We have to cover ourselves against the weather, but we do not have to be so concerned as we are about whether we put on Levi’s or Yves Saint-Laurent. We have to move about the face of the globe, but we do not have to dance. These are the things, we choose to do. We could survive if we choose not to… (Murphie and Potts 2003 p 9.)
This quote, perhaps a very admirable one to live by, but none the less is a way in which many of us choose not to. Many advertising agencies that employ the art of romanticizing their products in their marketing schemes are very successful at what they do, and unbeknown to many youths at the time, they are sucked into thinking that they need the things that they want regardless of whether or not it will enhance their lifestyle.
Some critics would argue that this is not the case. It is the argument presented by the gun lobby in resisting tighter gun ownership controls: ‘Guns don’t kill people, people kill people.’ This political argument proposes that the gun technology itself is neutral; it is the way it is used- responsibly or irresponsibly- that counts (Murphy and Potts 2003 p 27.) This theory can be directly linked to the consumer consumption of information and society portrayal that is broadcasted to millions of youths from the television, as the messages being portrayed are not there for the intention of starting radical and life changing differences in the world. However, in April 2006, Australian Greens leader Senator Bob Brown released a research paper on the amount of time young adolescent children aged 13-17 spend watching TV. He polled 3,649 teenagers and it showed that 1 in 5 adolescents spend more than 4 hours a day in front of the television. As adolescents are still going through the process of maturing and mentally developing, their intake of what is being shown on the television is most definitely going to have more of an effect on their lives and how they live it. For example, those same young people who were polled in the above statement are less likely to prefer eating healthy snacks and are 50% more likely to eat chocolate bars on a regular basis than their peers who watch less TV (Denniss, R. 2006.) With Australia being the 2nd fattest nation on the globe, we definitely can’t afford for our youth to be spending more time in front of the TV snacking on unhealthy foods, rather than becoming more actively involved in the society around us (Denniss, R. 2006.)
In Conclusion it could be said that the television, a radical and timeless invention none the less, in large and in some cases small doses, can have a negative effect on the youth of today’s society. It is driven by the force of money and power and has become careers for many to make money out of people via the television rather than simply being there for our entertainment. It has been a spinning wheel for our continual growing problems that are troubling our youths of today, and though perhaps isn’t a main source of negative attraction, it is still a very influential and justifiable source to be concerned about due to its popularity.
References:
Culture and Technology: Andrew Murphy and John Potts, 2003, Palgrave Macmillan
http://www.skwirk.com/p-c_s-11_u-56_t-89_c-313/the-history-of-television/nsw/science-technology/visual-ventures/where-did-television-come-from- September 21 2004
http://www.bobbrown.org.auDenniss, R. 2006, The impact of television viewing on children’s attitudes to junk food: Paper prepared by Dr Richard Denniss for Senator Bob Brown, Leader of the Australian Greens, Australian Greens [viewed 17/01/2007].Canberra Times 24/4/06, p.2.
Australian Bureau of statistics: http://www.womhealth.org.au/studentfactsheets/teenagepregnancy.htm May 16 2002
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/06/27/1056683908357.html June 28 2003.
The Sydney Morning Herald: http://www.smh.com.au/1013381511140.html updated daily.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Since the dawning of time, man has sought to invent something as ergonomically and as illuminatingly precious as our praised and longed for black box. From something that at the time seemed so radical and somewhat out of place, the television is now found in almost every room in every building and home through out the world. Being such a high thing on demand, one would only guess that humans spend a lot of time interacting and processing information being received by satellite constantly through these ingenious devices. Mostly used at our leisure, the television transmits commercials promoting businesses, merchandise, movies, sitcoms, cartoons, the daily news and many other forms of entertainment that humans seem to best unwind to by watching. Having so many different terms and sub headings that fall under this very important word in the new age of today, it would be difficult to specify in particular ways in which this specific technology has become a very influential way of life, thus in particular this essay will focus on the television and how indeed it has come to influence and shape the lives of human beings, in particular the youth culture of today, through ways of thinking, being and living.
The first functioning and mechanically successful machine that was able to emphasize sound and rapidly changing images was transmitted by John Logie Baird in 1925. Its main function was however more mechanical than electrical. His idea and creation worked on the basis of reflective lights being shone onto a piece of cardboard which then cast a shadow at a pair of discs that were rotated by an electric motor that gave a very similar outcome or vision to that of what we see on our televisions on a more advanced level today. It was later on that new scientists and idealists came along to make this invention more technical and vivid through the invention of the color television which arose and were placed on the market by the year of 1949. Since then the television has taken the world by storm and the advances in visual screening and effects for consumers has reached melodramatic levels. (http://www.skwirk.com/p-c_s-11_u-56_t-89_c-313/the-history-of-television/nsw/science-technology/visual-ventures/where-did-television-come-from-)
Though perhaps many of us would claim that the television has no effect on our lives and how we live, studies have proven that indeed this is not the case. The term technological determinism is explained and further explored by Andrew Murphy and John Potts in a book they published named ‘Culture and Technology.’ This novel criticizes and argues the theoretical and the practical framework that holds culture and technology together as unison. Technological determinism refers to the belief that technology is the agent of social change. Technological change is treated as if autonomous; removed from social pressures; it follows a logic or imperative of its own. This process holds that a successful technical innovation, if implemented on a sufficiently wide scale, will generate a new type of society (Murphy and Potts 2003 p 11.) This has definitely been the case through the invention of the television.
The way many of us talk, dress and communicate is done through the heavy influence of what is being broadcasted on television. Unconventionally we are all being fed warped views on life through the glass screen in our living rooms or kitchens. For example, very Americanized T.V shows such as Sex and the City and Beverley Hills 90210 promote and are mainly based on the promiscuous activities of numerous different individuals’ lives. Due to the fact that shows such as these plus many more are being broadcasted world wide to all types of audiences, in particular our youth culture of today that are the most influenced by what we see on TV, it has become less unheard of or deemed immoral for young people to be taking part in licentious activities.
The TV is also one of the most effective ways for companies targeting our youth to promote their fashion labels and designs. It keeps many of us updated as to what looks good through the eyes of consumer companies. It encourages girls to be attired in outfits and in makeup that makes them more appealing to the opposite sex. Adds for designer fragrances and swimwear are played out by high class models with chiseled features and toned bodies. This of course is having a major impact on our youth and the shock culture of today. With the teenage fertility rate being 16.3 babies per 1 000 women in Australia and the teenage abortion rate Each year being 24 out of every 1000 teenage girls, any influence to promote these acts of belligerence need to be discouraged rather than encouraged (ABS, The Sydney Morning Herald.) Other causes for concern are problematic issues for many youths such as STDS and other sexually transmitted viruses such as aids which running at an extreme pace through our society. It has been debated for many years that the television has not been a very good guide for the youth of today to be following.
…we have to eat, but we do not have to have ‘cuisines,’ Big Macs or Tournedos Rossini. We have to cover ourselves against the weather, but we do not have to be so concerned as we are about whether we put on Levi’s or Yves Saint-Laurent. We have to move about the face of the globe, but we do not have to dance. These are the things, we choose to do. We could survive if we choose not to… (Murphie and Potts 2003 p 9.)
This quote, perhaps a very admirable one to live by, but none the less is a way in which many of us choose not to. Many advertising agencies that employ the art of romanticizing their products in their marketing schemes are very successful at what they do, and unbeknown to many youths at the time, they are sucked into thinking that they need the things that they want regardless of whether or not it will enhance their lifestyle.
Some critics would argue that this is not the case. It is the argument presented by the gun lobby in resisting tighter gun ownership controls: ‘Guns don’t kill people, people kill people.’ This political argument proposes that the gun technology itself is neutral; it is the way it is used- responsibly or irresponsibly- that counts (Murphy and Potts 2003 p 27.) This theory can be directly linked to the consumer consumption of information and society portrayal that is broadcasted to millions of youths from the television, as the messages being portrayed are not there for the intention of starting radical and life changing differences in the world. However, in April 2006, Australian Greens leader Senator Bob Brown released a research paper on the amount of time young adolescent children aged 13-17 spend watching TV. He polled 3,649 teenagers and it showed that 1 in 5 adolescents spend more than 4 hours a day in front of the television. As adolescents are still going through the process of maturing and mentally developing, their intake of what is being shown on the television is most definitely going to have more of an effect on their lives and how they live it. For example, those same young people who were polled in the above statement are less likely to prefer eating healthy snacks and are 50% more likely to eat chocolate bars on a regular basis than their peers who watch less TV (Denniss, R. 2006.) With Australia being the 2nd fattest nation on the globe, we definitely can’t afford for our youth to be spending more time in front of the TV snacking on unhealthy foods, rather than becoming more actively involved in the society around us (Denniss, R. 2006.)
In Conclusion it could be said that the television, a radical and timeless invention none the less, in large and in some cases small doses, can have a negative effect on the youth of today’s society. It is driven by the force of money and power and has become careers for many to make money out of people via the television rather than simply being there for our entertainment. It has been a spinning wheel for our continual growing problems that are troubling our youths of today, and though perhaps isn’t a main source of negative attraction, it is still a very influential and justifiable source to be concerned about due to its popularity.
References:
Culture and Technology: Andrew Murphy and John Potts, 2003, Palgrave Macmillan
http://www.skwirk.com/p-c_s-11_u-56_t-89_c-313/the-history-of-television/nsw/science-technology/visual-ventures/where-did-television-come-from- September 21 2004
http://www.bobbrown.org.auDenniss, R. 2006, The impact of television viewing on children’s attitudes to junk food: Paper prepared by Dr Richard Denniss for Senator Bob Brown, Leader of the Australian Greens, Australian Greens [viewed 17/01/2007].Canberra Times 24/4/06, p.2.
Australian Bureau of statistics: http://www.womhealth.org.au/studentfactsheets/teenagepregnancy.htm May 16 2002
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/06/27/1056683908357.html June 28 2003.
The Sydney Morning Herald: http://www.smh.com.au/1013381511140.html updated daily.
The first functioning and mechanically successful machine that was able to emphasize sound and rapidly changing images was transmitted by John Logie Baird in 1925. Its main function was however more mechanical than electrical. His idea and creation worked on the basis of reflective lights being shone onto a piece of cardboard which then cast a shadow at a pair of discs that were rotated by an electric motor that gave a very similar outcome or vision to that of what we see on our televisions on a more advanced level today. It was later on that new scientists and idealists came along to make this invention more technical and vivid through the invention of the color television which arose and were placed on the market by the year of 1949. Since then the television has taken the world by storm and the advances in visual screening and effects for consumers has reached melodramatic levels. (http://www.skwirk.com/p-c_s-11_u-56_t-89_c-313/the-history-of-television/nsw/science-technology/visual-ventures/where-did-television-come-from-)
Though perhaps many of us would claim that the television has no effect on our lives and how we live, studies have proven that indeed this is not the case. The term technological determinism is explained and further explored by Andrew Murphy and John Potts in a book they published named ‘Culture and Technology.’ This novel criticizes and argues the theoretical and the practical framework that holds culture and technology together as unison. Technological determinism refers to the belief that technology is the agent of social change. Technological change is treated as if autonomous; removed from social pressures; it follows a logic or imperative of its own. This process holds that a successful technical innovation, if implemented on a sufficiently wide scale, will generate a new type of society (Murphy and Potts 2003 p 11.) This has definitely been the case through the invention of the television.
The way many of us talk, dress and communicate is done through the heavy influence of what is being broadcasted on television. Unconventionally we are all being fed warped views on life through the glass screen in our living rooms or kitchens. For example, very Americanized T.V shows such as Sex and the City and Beverley Hills 90210 promote and are mainly based on the promiscuous activities of numerous different individuals’ lives. Due to the fact that shows such as these plus many more are being broadcasted world wide to all types of audiences, in particular our youth culture of today that are the most influenced by what we see on TV, it has become less unheard of or deemed immoral for young people to be taking part in licentious activities.
The TV is also one of the most effective ways for companies targeting our youth to promote their fashion labels and designs. It keeps many of us updated as to what looks good through the eyes of consumer companies. It encourages girls to be attired in outfits and in makeup that makes them more appealing to the opposite sex. Adds for designer fragrances and swimwear are played out by high class models with chiseled features and toned bodies. This of course is having a major impact on our youth and the shock culture of today. With the teenage fertility rate being 16.3 babies per 1 000 women in Australia and the teenage abortion rate Each year being 24 out of every 1000 teenage girls, any influence to promote these acts of belligerence need to be discouraged rather than encouraged (ABS, The Sydney Morning Herald.) Other causes for concern are problematic issues for many youths such as STDS and other sexually transmitted viruses such as aids which running at an extreme pace through our society. It has been debated for many years that the television has not been a very good guide for the youth of today to be following.
…we have to eat, but we do not have to have ‘cuisines,’ Big Macs or Tournedos Rossini. We have to cover ourselves against the weather, but we do not have to be so concerned as we are about whether we put on Levi’s or Yves Saint-Laurent. We have to move about the face of the globe, but we do not have to dance. These are the things, we choose to do. We could survive if we choose not to… (Murphie and Potts 2003 p 9.)
This quote, perhaps a very admirable one to live by, but none the less is a way in which many of us choose not to. Many advertising agencies that employ the art of romanticizing their products in their marketing schemes are very successful at what they do, and unbeknown to many youths at the time, they are sucked into thinking that they need the things that they want regardless of whether or not it will enhance their lifestyle.
Some critics would argue that this is not the case. It is the argument presented by the gun lobby in resisting tighter gun ownership controls: ‘Guns don’t kill people, people kill people.’ This political argument proposes that the gun technology itself is neutral; it is the way it is used- responsibly or irresponsibly- that counts (Murphy and Potts 2003 p 27.) This theory can be directly linked to the consumer consumption of information and society portrayal that is broadcasted to millions of youths from the television, as the messages being portrayed are not there for the intention of starting radical and life changing differences in the world. However, in April 2006, Australian Greens leader Senator Bob Brown released a research paper on the amount of time young adolescent children aged 13-17 spend watching TV. He polled 3,649 teenagers and it showed that 1 in 5 adolescents spend more than 4 hours a day in front of the television. As adolescents are still going through the process of maturing and mentally developing, their intake of what is being shown on the television is most definitely going to have more of an effect on their lives and how they live it. For example, those same young people who were polled in the above statement are less likely to prefer eating healthy snacks and are 50% more likely to eat chocolate bars on a regular basis than their peers who watch less TV (Denniss, R. 2006.) With Australia being the 2nd fattest nation on the globe, we definitely can’t afford for our youth to be spending more time in front of the TV snacking on unhealthy foods, rather than becoming more actively involved in the society around us (Denniss, R. 2006.)
In Conclusion it could be said that the television, a radical and timeless invention none the less, in large and in some cases small doses, can have a negative effect on the youth of today’s society. It is driven by the force of money and power and has become careers for many to make money out of people via the television rather than simply being there for our entertainment. It has been a spinning wheel for our continual growing problems that are troubling our youths of today, and though perhaps isn’t a main source of negative attraction, it is still a very influential and justifiable source to be concerned about due to its popularity.
References:
Culture and Technology: Andrew Murphy and John Potts, 2003, Palgrave Macmillan
http://www.skwirk.com/p-c_s-11_u-56_t-89_c-313/the-history-of-television/nsw/science-technology/visual-ventures/where-did-television-come-from- September 21 2004
http://www.bobbrown.org.auDenniss, R. 2006, The impact of television viewing on children’s attitudes to junk food: Paper prepared by Dr Richard Denniss for Senator Bob Brown, Leader of the Australian Greens, Australian Greens [viewed 17/01/2007].Canberra Times 24/4/06, p.2.
Australian Bureau of statistics: http://www.womhealth.org.au/studentfactsheets/teenagepregnancy.htm May 16 2002
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/06/27/1056683908357.html June 28 2003.
The Sydney Morning Herald: http://www.smh.com.au/1013381511140.html updated daily.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
NAME:
ANTOINETTE / TERESE / ROCHEL / TERRANOVA
D.O.B:
12 / 04 / 1989
PRECIOUS COMMODITIES:
FAMILY / FRIENDS/ LIFE ITSELF
ACQUIRED TASTE FOR:
FASHION / FINE DINING / LITERATURE / MUSIC
MARITAL STATUS:
SINGLE / AT / LONG/ LAST
So far I may seem pretty ordinary, but my life is full of weird and wonderful things that may interest some people to say the least, but I can't promise you anything. I have come straight out of school and into studying at university. Transition capability so far? Finding uni life pretty cruisy, but I'm sure as the weeks roll on my opinion on university will change along with the work load!
I take each day as it comes, and every week day to me is another day closer to the weekend, because my favourite time of the year is in fact the weekend! I love going out and meeting new people. My friends are like a second family to me and I would literally do anything for them.
Along with uni I work part time at my family business, Portobello, which is a European delicatessen located on Scarborough street in Southport. I drive a red honda civic and it loves petrol which kind of makes me a bit angry at him from time to time, but we go way back, so I've learnt to put up with it.
This year is a very important year for me. I some how made it into uni and after a long 2 years of being in a relationship which put a lot of strain on my life, I am finally free and plan to look at it in a positive way rather than negative, because I plan to learn a lot more about myself and those around me. So I am starting this year and this semester at uni with an open heart and mind, and I am willing to get to know other people and let them get to know me, this blog being a great footer for me to be able to accomplish that!
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