Controversy of Having Television

Almost 97 per cent Indonesian people have television. From this television, we get many benefits. However, if we observe by far, television also brings negative effects. Therefore, the existence of television programs lead controversy.

     The obvious benefit of having television is togetherness. For example, all members of a family are free at night. Usually, they gather in front of television and watch one of the programs. It means that television gives a family a chance to make an intimate communication. Besides that, television can be friend of someone who feels lonely being alone at home. It makes him/her not bored.

     Secondly, the benefit is about the programs broadcasted by many television stations. We can get many information such as newest news, tips about our lifestyles and some phenomena in our life. Moreover, there are many education programs that help students, for examples, English Time and Learning Physics.

     Thirdly, it is about amusement. There are musics, films, series, games, and comedy. For music lovers, they are amused by the music, clip video, and the biography of the celebrities. Well, the films broadcasted on television make film lover who do not have a chance to watch the film on the cinema, can enjoy the film at their home. For series lovers, they can get lessons of life because some Indonesian series presents conflicts that are usually happening in our daily life. Concerning to games, some television stations present games programs. They are usually educating, offering prizes or just amusing. The other amusing program is comedy. Usually we decide to watch television because we want to take a rest. Comedy program can rest our mind. It amuses us with light conflict presented by humor. Then, for parents who have difficulties to amuse their children, cartoon programs is suitable for them.

     On the other hand, some people have different point of view of having television. They think that there are many negative effects caused by television. Most children who still study have an habit, that is watching television. Some of them, watching television is more important than doing their homework. Some parents experience difficulties to stop their children not to watch television too much. Moreover, there are many children programs, for example cartoon series presented in the wrong time, especially in studying time.

     The other negative effect is caused by criminal news. Some viewers who are easy in despair may do the same thing. They cannot be selective to draw the message of the news presented. The next effect is wasteful. The lifestyles presented by TV programs through series, talkshow, and commercials can lead the viewers to change their lifestyles. We know that commercial breaks on TV can convince the viewers to buy their products.

     The other disadvantage is related to film and series. Many films and series show things which are not appropriate to show. Most of the films and series present themes about teenagers and love. Indirectly, they present the lifestyles of teenagers. For example, the theme is about love between students in junior high school or senior high school. The other example is that there are protagonist and antagonist in a film or a series. Some Indonesian series show antagonist who is very and very mean. Even, it is too mean than in our real life. this phenomenon can be imitated by children. It is no doubt if there are violences done by children.

     Based on those controversies, it can be concluded that having television brings advantages and disadvantages. Therefore we have to be selective in choosing the programs and drawing the message, moral, information presented by the programs. For parents, it is better for them to accompany their children when they watching television, so that they do not do, talk, and think something wrong.