Since the invention of the television, American families have gathered around the tube to feast on a healthy serving of entertainment and news. Michael Stephens notes in his essay History of Television, “few inventions have had as much of an effect on contemporary American society as the television.” As the popularity of television grew, so too did the family dynamics within American households. By the 1960’s when 87 percent of U.S. households had a television[1], it was apparent that TV had made its way into the hearts of consumers.
For many families, television became a form of socialization where many opinions about the world were formed. Discussions at the dinner table were usually about the latest antics seen on TV. Television was a medium for communication which helped sustain ideas, enhance beliefs and strengthen cultural ties. Despite this enduring love affair, many media watchdogs are theorizing that the popularity of the internet could eventually end this seemingly sacrosanct bond.
Some call it the “television switch off”- a tipping point of sorts when more and more people begin to do away with their TV in exchange for cheaper and more accessible programming on the internet. In 2008 for example, 2.5 million viewers in the U.S. switched off their television service. Although the 2.5 million may statistically represent a small number of viewers, Its existence still signals a change in the media consumer market. But should the convergence of media be seen as societal progression or cultural divergence? The answer is both. As a society, we are evolving technologically every day, much to the benefit of all mankind. Technology has traveled leaps and bounds compared to the days of the printing press. Americans especially, are committed to testing the limits of and adopting new technology; even if that means eventually saying goodbye to our trusted friend: Television.
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