This thread is now about how television affects child development.

I'm writing a paper on this for English class, and it's a really interesting topic. These days parents seems to use television as as a babysitter for their children rather than a light entertainment source, or even a family activity. The problem with television is that it's teacher of expectations. Long gone are the days where a plot in a television show, or even in movies will slowly develop or blossom into something worthwhile. We demand shorter build ups and quicker punchlines. We want to get to the point. But also, these shows have gotta crackle and pop if they want to keep our attention.

I think this affects children in that they are taught that they should be able to demand everything right this instant, when in fact this is not the way the world works. But it is interesting in that a study done some time ago (in the late 1970's, I'm sorry I'm unable to locate an online source and I don't have a scanner to provide a PDF) was done on pre-school age children watching the Mr. Rogers Show, and compared different types of viewings to their reactions in specific social activites, like playing with other children. I was surprised to find out that their level of social interaction and empathetic capacity was notably enhanced only when a mediator was present to reinterpret or re-engage the children regarding the message that Mr. Rogers was providing. In short, only when watching the show became interactive rather than observative did it have an impact.

I think in this specific case, there were probably a lot of variables that went into this that we are unaware of.

But nonetheless, I can definately see where you're coming from.

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