REACTION
The birth of televisions stirred up mixed opinions on whether it was beneficial or not. The ability to reach anybody anywhere in the world was very powerful but had its drawbacks as well.
Negative Reaction
Approaching the 1970's most homes had at least one television set. A prominent concern by parents, teachers, and scientists was children's addictive attraction to television. Media violence influencing children was the main concern. Children acting out and being rebellious was looked at as a cause of television. Parents also believed it would make their children less active and in some cases "dumber" due to its sedating effect on viewers. (Rydin 813)
Positive Reaction
On the opposing side that television made children dumber, stood educators that thought television in the early 1970's would be able to be used to teach children correct social behavior and academics. Not only would it be used to teach children but it would also reach out to those in third world countries. A great example of how television was able to educate was the hit American show Sesame Street which was used to explain simple educational features. (Rydin 814)
On the opposing side that television made children dumber, stood educators that thought television in the early 1970's would be able to be used to teach children correct social behavior and academics. Not only would it be used to teach children but it would also reach out to those in third world countries. A great example of how television was able to educate was the hit American show Sesame Street which was used to explain simple educational features. (Rydin 814)