EOTO1: The History and Impact of Television

The invention of the Television has greatly impacted our society. Television has changed the way we communicate and perceive the world around us. Television started as an experimental idea in the early 20th century and has become one of the most influential technologies in history. Americans today dedicate a large portion of their time to consuming television. According to recent data, it is said that U.S. viewers aged 15 years and older spent an average of almost three hours watching TV per day in 2023, while adults aged 65 and above spent the most time watching television at over four hours a day. So, how exactly did Television come to be?

History: From Concept to a Cultural Revolution

The idea of transmitting images over long distances first emerged in the late 1800s. However, it wasn’t until the 1920s that inventors like John Logie Baird and Philo Farnsworth made significant breakthroughs in this technology. A Scottish engineer, Baird, achieved one of the first televised images by using a mechanical process that displayed basic outlines and shapes. Years later, an American inventor, Farnsworth, invented an electronic system that allowed for much more precise and stable images. This laid the foundation for the Television that we see today. 

In 1939, RCA, also known as the Radio Corporation of America, debuted the first TV at the World's Fair in New York. People were amazed by the concept of television, but due to World War II and economic challenges, television did not become very popular. Wartime production only focused on radios and other communication tools, but as the economy improved in the post-war years, television sets became more affordable and widely available. By the 1950s, Television was in households nationwide, and networks like NBC, CBS, and ABC began to create content. 

Impact: Bringing the World into Our Living Rooms

Television quickly became much more than just a form of entertainment; it changed how people consumed news, stories, and ideas. In the 1950s, shows like I Love Lucy and The Ed Sullivan Show were extremely popular, bringing a sense of shared experience to households and nationwide. For the first time in history, people could see world events happening live without having to be there. People could view everything, from the moon landing to presidential debates.

Television had a significant impact on public opinion and social awareness. For example, during the 1960s, events like the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War were broadcast into people's homes, exposing viewers to issues they may not have experienced or wouldn’t have witnessed. These images of protests, marches, and war scenes sparked discussions and debates that would influence public opinion. This, in turn, made Television powerful for social change. 

The Downsides of Television's Influence

Although Television was becoming increasingly popular, there were also concerns. It was argued that TV might encourage unhealthy habits because people could spend hours watching without actually engaging in what they were viewing. Studies were done on television's impact on children due to concerns about how excessive screen time may affect their learning, behavior, or social skills. 

Despite these concerns, television continues to expand and evolve. In the 1970s, color TV became widely available. By the 1980s and 1990s, cable television expanded by offering hundreds of channels. Shows and networks now cater to everyone's interests.

Television in the Digital Age

In the 21st century, streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ have become extremely popular. While traditional broadcast TV still exists, most people now prefer these platforms to watch TV because they allow them to binge-watch or pause a show anytime. According to Nielsen’s The Gauge, TV viewing using streaming services in the United States has reached 40.3% of all TV usage, while cable and broadcast are around 27.2% and 20.5%.

In conclusion, Television has significantly influenced how we connect, learn, and experience the world. From its early days as an experimental invention to digital streaming, it has evolved, and so have we alongside it. While it may have its downsides, it continues to have an essential role in bringing people closer to history and culture.

For a deeper look into the history and evolution of Television, check out this article on television history.