How does TV influence us?

         I focussed my blog on the effect on teenagers from television. A few shows that are a good example of this are Jersey Shore, Skins and Teen Mom. They have become a very negative influence on teens. Teen Mom has caused a sudden ride in teenage pregnancies, making teen pregnancy seem "cool". Jersey Shore has glamorized drinking and carless sex, also stereotyping Italians and people from Jersey. The show gives them an image of wanting to party, tan and drink all day. The new show "Skins" is about a group of high school students who share their lives and experiences of partying, sex, drug-use and drinking. Teens see these shows, they like these shows and they want to mimic what they see in these shows. However, each show has an important life lesson. Teen Mom proves the struggles, sacrifices, and issues that must be endured as a teen parent. Skins explains how all teens should be comfortable with their own sexuality. We consume so much television that it gets in our head. Some television shows can be positive like educational programs. Several studies have found that educational television has many advantages and can be a very powerful and effective learning tool for children. On the other hand, it is told that when a person plays video games or watches TV, a part of the brain becomes very active and dopamine is released. Scientists believe this reduces your control of movement and pain and formation of feelings. A study has found that while viewers are watching television the right side of the brain is twice as active as the left side, causing a state of hypnosis. Studies also believe that kids watching television for hours connect to obesity and it decreases the metabolic rate in children, compared to kids who rest. There are both positive and negative effects of television. Television is just another part of the media that sucks us in, as we're all addicted to certain shows. It is something we must live with as there will always be positive and negative media.