Back when the first versions of the box that was sporting moving pictures called television became known, it was a work of wonder to many people. Just seeing the nearly miraculous motions of the little people behind the glass inspired a feeling of joy and excitement the world over.

Nowadays however, television has become a mainstream feature and people have come to take it for granted. And the once marvelous invention has become nothing more than another tool for which people can subject their senses to. Degrading the status of the television from a wonder of science to a mind decaying, senses dulling, and health corroding addiction of the masses.

Regardless of how people may deny it, television has created an entire generation that has been submerged in mindless entertainment, pointless imagery, and social impacting conditions through the abuse of television. And it has only gotten worse, where more programs have appeared that reduces intellect and affects health on a gruesome level.

Though it would only be fair to point out that there are programs that do contribute to the development of people, they are sadly underrated and steeply overshadowed by reality television, mind-numbing dramas, and shows that border on the disturbing.

But even if the regrettably shallow aspects of television are taken out of the equation, there are still some major concerns to consider that deeply affect consumers on a massive scale. Since even in an age where the use of television is beginning to be eclipsed by the use of the internet, all the usual problem are still present such as addiction, obesity and other health issues that come with it. What’s more alarming, is the fact that children as young as in their first year are already exposed to television, increasing the chances of the problem getting worse since they started early.

Weight

It is no secret that weight issues are more commonly attributed to unhealthy diet. However, this is only further exacerbated by the lack of exercise on the part of children. When exposed in an early age without any prior interest that really held their attention, it is only inevitable that they would become hooked on television. The colors are delightful to look at, the sequences are entertaining and television simply has this hypnotic effect that glues your eyes on the screen even when you can find no apparent reason for your interest.

Because of this, children are now spending less and less time playing outside which is their version of a workout. Their bodies become stagnant, their muscles become soft, their skeletal structure starts to become brittle, and fat sets in. These things can quickly lead to a number of health problems such as diabetes and can cause no small number of injuries when they start doing something that is beyond their physical capability.

ADD and ADHD

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) are also among the things that regular TV viewing of children can cause. If you are wondering, ADD is where your child’s attention span is very poor. They are unable to understand instructions, they are unable to concentrate and their learning curve is just so much longer.

ADHD on the other hand, is much like ADD except the child is just exploding with energy. Although children are supposed to have a surplus of energy to run around and be happy, children who do almost nothing else are a cause for concern. As much as parents might like to assert otherwise, overly playful does not necessarily equate to healthy.

Physical deficiency

Apart from the weight issues that have been tackled above, another problem that too much TV viewing can cause is the loss of the usual dexterity that children are supposed to develop at an early age. Their games are not only done because they are fun, they are also necessary. Playing tag develops their agility and reflexes, hide and seek challenges their perception and insight, arts and craft refines their finesse and control of their fingers. How in the world can the children gain all of these when their eyes are glued to the screen, their butts are on the couch, and all the exercise that their fingers are getting is pressing the buttons on the remote and picking up Cheetos to put in their mouths?