Too Much Television, Too Many Distractions

The modern society witnesses the fast development of the television industry, as well as its revolutionary changes. For the 2015-2016 season alone, there are 412 original scripted television shows and 1,400 programs, which doubles the number of shows and programs in 2009. This growth is so fast that people get more and more distracted by so many choices on the TV. The result is that there will no longer exist the phenomenon that the whole family sits before the television and judge the same program. The increasing number of television programs distract people too much and fail to bring them together, which impacts the family value behind the television and lowers the quality of television programs.

There is a family value behind televisions in traditional family concepts. No matter how advanced the computer is, it still can not fully replace televisions because the computer is for the individual use while the television is for the family use. People still have a strong traditional family concept that directly link the television with a family union. However, the increasing number of programs and shows on the television makes it difficult for a family to sit together. So many choices distract people’s attention, and each family member has his/her favorite show. Family members on longer discuss the same program together to increase the intimacy because they focus on so different shows. Moreover, the increasing number means that television show producers pay more attention to the fast profit (Lotz 83). They come up with new shows and programs to draw the public’s attention, aiming only at a specific audience group. This behavior leads to the fierce competition and the decreasing effect. The show “American Idol” nourished Kelly Clarkson in 2002 and Carrie Underwood in 2015. These two superstars made this show famous and valuable. However, in recent years, this show could no longer nourish a champion that could win a Grammy.