Some people claim that television is the root of all evil, while others think of television as a best friend. Some blame television for society's violence, consumerism, and misinformation, while others see it as a rich resource for education and global understanding.

Who is right?

I know many people who just can't seem to live without TV. As soon as they get home, they turn it on. Even if they have work to do, family to be with, or friends to see, they do it all with the TV on. For many of us, television is such a constant presence in our lives that we haven't stopped to question whether or not it is good, and most never ask ourselves if and how television might be hurting us.

For those of you who are asking this question—to satisfy your own curiosity or for an essay, debate, or another school project—below you will find the costs and benefits of watching television.

What are the Advantages of Watching Television?

- In this busy, expensive life, television is an easy and cheap source of entertainment.

- By watching international news, we are kept informed and up-to-date with breaking news around the world.

- Some shows and channels (like PBS and Discovery) offer educational programs that can increase our knowledge and make us more aware of the world around us.

- Do-it-yourself shows give us easy access to all kinds of information: Cooking channels offer new recipes and methods, home improvement shows introduce us to many money-saving DIY tips, and financial advisers give advice for managing finances and investing money, for example. Television can also be a good way to help people learn a different language.

- Some shows can motivate people who are interested in that field and help them to pursue their dreams.

What Are the Disadvantages of Watching Television?

- Sex, crime, and violence are frequently depicted on television and may have negative effects on impressionable children (and adults!). Kids who see violent acts are more likely to display aggressive or violent behavior and also to believe that the world is a scary place and that something bad is going to happen to them. Ongoing studies have shown a lasting correlation between watching violence on television and aggression that begins in childhood and continues into adulthood. Viewers sometimes imitate violent, criminal, sexual, or other risky behavior they see on television... and end up in trouble, in jail, or in a hospital as a result.

- Watching too much television is not good for your health. Studies have shown that there is a correlation between watching television and obesity. Excessive TV watching (more than 3 hours a day) can also contribute to sleep difficulties, behavior problems, lower grades, and other health issues.

- Television makes us antisocial, taking the place of family and friends.

If there is a technology, will be advantages and disadvantages both. One thing you have to do is to go after good things. You can watch good content on live tv channels to get the most out of them.