Television And The Social Psyche Essay - 2086 Words

Television And The Social Psyche The medium is the metaphor says communications theorist and author Neil Postman. In all cultures throughout history, the mode of interaction and communication among people has been in a state of constant transformation. Verbal language is obviously one example of this. A verbal language changes in response to the changes of the society. New words, new types of slang and manners of speaking are created to describe new ideas and emotions as well as new concepts in social phenomena and perspective. The customary mode of communication employed by a culture is the aspect which most clearly depicts the nature of the people within it. We are defined as individuals and as groups by the ways in which we†¦show more content†¦Roger Silverstone, Professor of Media Studies at the University of Sussex, recognizes the sensitivity of this subject. The medium of television has become deeply ingrained in the order and ordering of contemporary culture and society. To understand this we have to inquire into how television has become part of a psychological, a social as well as a cultural reality, and to recognize too both vulnerability and change as the institutions and technologies that have defined the character of television (and radio) this century are beginning to diversify, fragment and shift. (Silverstone, 1995) (1) Such innovations as cable television and satellite receivers were just the beginning of expanded TV technology, and as they spread throughout the world we are able to encounter a wider span of input. Cable TV was invented for the purpose, not of increasing the number of channels received, but to improve reception. Now nearly 60 million households are subscribed to cable television, many carrying up to 80 channels. This speed with which television technology is being developed is an indication of the extent to which our culture is changing its mode of communication from interpersonal to technological. The Michigan Institute for Social research conducted a landmark studyShow MoreRelatedAn Investigation Of The Psychopath1417 Words   |  6 Pagesfilm or watched a television show that displays a character with sociopathic personality traits and have grown to enjoy following them through their story. It’s not uncommon; they’re charismatic, manipulative, powerful, and have an extremely different personality than most people. They’re charming and entertaining to watch, so it’s no wonder authors and producers alike have begun to use sociopaths and psychopaths in their work more frequently. Many of the most popular television shows, films, andRead MoreThe First Golden Age Of Television1278 Words   |  6 PagesResponse In the first golden age, there was no gold. In fact, there was no color, only black and white. The first golden age of television occurred in the nineteen-fifties and the gold was quite humble on the surface. Because the shows were about local police, cowboys and housewives. 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