Television-The Useless EvilTelevision, called TV for short, is found in most homes across America and most people consider it a necessity for their lives. It became popular in the 1950s, and without a doubt, television has had an incredible influence on the lives of Americans and our culture as a whole. It has been an integral part of most homes since its beginnings, and according to the Encyclopedic Dictionary of Psychology, it is said that 90% of homes in “many Western societies” have it (In the Encyclopedic Dictionary of Psychology). It connected our nation and the world unlike most other previous inventions. The question we must ask ourselves when considering the things that influence the lives of Americans is whether or not that influence is positive. We also need to ask ourselves whether television is really a necessity. We need to ask ourselves if it is truly a necessary tool for leading an educated and well-informed life. Some would say it has increased our awareness of the world and politics and made us more knowledgeable. Others will say that it had a negative effect and that the negatives would outweigh any benefits. It is my opinion that television has had a detrimental influence on the generations following its advent and has been an unnecessary necessity in the lives of Americans. I believe we as a nation have witnessed violence and backlash, especially among children, because of this poison that resides in homes. Studies have shown that violent scenes on television have increased and, as a result, violent behavior has increased. "The average child will witness 8,000 murders and 100,000 acts of violence on ...... middle of paper ...... Works Cited Clemmitt, Marcia. “Reading crisis? » Researcher CQ, 18, 169-192. February 22, 2008. Web. April 29, 2011. “Can television educate? (boxed). » Problems and controversies recorded: n. page. Problems and controversies. Facts On File News Services, August 7, 1998. Web. April 29, 2011. “Supporters describe urgent need for restrictions on violence” Facts on file. Problems and controversies. Issue date. October 5, 2007. the web. April 21. 2011Television. In Encyclopedic Dictionary of Psychology. np 2006. Internet. April 29, 2011 “Update: Violence on TV.” Problems and controversies recorded: n. page. Problems and controversies. Facts On File News Services, October 5, 2007. Web. April 29, 2011. Violence. " Issues & Controversies On File: n. pag. Issues & Controversies. Facts On File NewsServices, February 12, 1999. Web. April 29. 2011.