Audience And Reception
Essay: Children Are More Susceptible To The Effects Of Television
In the world today, it is said that mass media has surpassed what it was in the past as so many people depend on media information globally. Of all the communication mediums, television is ranked at the top being the most powerful as it not only informs, it also influences the targeted audience. Television is used as a tool to control and shape the minds of its audience as it also satisfies it’s audience by using both visual and audio stimulation which, most likely results in a reaction of some kind. Therefor making children susceptible to the effects of television.
During the early development, between the ages of two to seven years, children learn from what they see and hear around them. Television acts as a companion and babysitter for many children, giving them the opportunity to form unguided opinions, as an adult is not there to explain things they viewed. Children usually do not posses the analytical skills required to distinguish what is to be accepted and what should be ignored. As a result, children are seen as a more passive audience as they absorb information directly and consequently accept what is viewed. They also pay attention to a message from the sender only because it is entertaining the characters create whimsical fantasies in the story.
Some channels on television such as Disney use this technique in most of their pre-school shows to engage their audience. For example Mickey Mouse Club House, this particular show engages its audience in the catchy sing along theme song, M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E and without knowing it, it is teaching the children how to spell Mickey Mouse. On Nickelodeon another leading children’s channel, the children’s attention is caught by the use of advertising. These advertisements are often selling toys that are of no educational value to the child.
In an effort to get certain messages across to