When we reflect on socialization, we recognize that it is a continuous process which helps individuals attain a distinct identity. Socialization also aids in learning the norms, values, social skills, and behaviors that are appropriate to their social position. Among all political movements, diseases, and religions, television is a technology that has significantly permeated our culture. In many ways, television has changed the way people socialize across the world and the way cultures are exchanged.

Television plays a critical role in shaping the socialization of younger generations in western culture (Kushwaha, 2017). Children often spend numerous hours in front of the television, anxiously waiting to hear and watch the next thing it will show. However, what impact does television have on children in the socialization process? Is it constructive or destructive? Should prudent parents encourage or discourage their children from watching television? These questions are not straightforward as one must comprehend the role of television in the socialization of children to get the correct answer.

Television can have both positive and negative effects on society, particularly on children and the community. Not all television programming is harmful. However, adverse effects have been observed through exposure to violence, offensive language, and inappropriate sexual content (Gregory et al. 2017). By watching television, children often reduce their time for essential developmental tasks such as learning to speak, reading, playing, spending time with peers and family, storytelling, regular exercise activities, and refining their social, physical, and mental skills.

The magnitude of violence on television is increasing at an alarming rate. Such violence can cause children to become aggressive (Gregory et al., 2017). Statistics have proven that exposure to on-screen violence increases the appetite of young people to become involved in violence. Television also exposes young people to criminal activities and deviant behavior.

Television viewing can prompt obesity and eating disorders. Generally, unhealthy dietary practices are promoted through prime-time commercials. This may lead to poor eating habits for individuals who consume their meals while watching television, leading to the prevalence of eating disorders in teenage girls who tend to mimic the thin models they see on television.

Television can also expose children to adult sexual behaviors in ways that portray such actions as harmless and common (Gregory et al. 2017). This can lead to viewers adopting these behaviors as acceptable, even when they are dangerous. Television has also significantly contributed to adolescent's attitudes towards sex, making it a significant source of information about sex.

Despite the negative impacts, television can have a positive influence on society by increasing diversity and awareness. Watching television can enhance our knowledge of different cultures and happenings in other countries. While some programs are informative, others are purely entertainment. Maturity levels vary, and individuals may be more impressionable than others. Therefore, an individual's upbringing plays a crucial role in determining the extent to which television can affect a person socially. Children who are raised in an environment where their parents are actively involved in teaching, playing, and engaging in learning experiences are less likely to be negatively impacted by television since their parents and family members act as consistent role models. In contrast, children raised solely by television may have a heightened tendency to imitate the on-screen characters due to a lack of legitimate role models.

Reference:

Gregory, E. I., Okeke, T. C., & Ezeh, G. A. (2017). The role of television advertising in influencing consumer socialization of children: a conceptual analysis. International Journal of Economics, Business, and Management Research, 1(3), 214-223.

Kushwaha, T. (2017). Parental style and television socialization of children and adolescents: a perceptual study in the Indian context. South Asian Journal of Management, 24(3), 88-105.