In the introduction of Here is New York (originally published in 1949) by E.B. White, Roger Angell, White’s stepson, describes television as, “the biggest altering force of our century”. This was in 1999. I’d say now it’s internet and smartphones.
In the 1950s, TV was considered a form of family entertainment. Today it seems rare for families to sit down watch a show or movie together.
Studies have been made that link childhood obesity and attention disorders to “screen” viewing. This includes television, ipads, game systems, and especially smartphones. Smartphones — now that’s an oxymoron.
There is much debate about the issue of violence on the screen and its influence on viewers, but my opinion is that it numbs the viewer to reality.
As a substitute in high schools I see the downside of the smartphone. I watch students sitting side by side, faces glued to their screen. When they do converse with a classmate, it so often is just to share and laugh at something on their phone, I am not saying all this in innocence. My smartphone has dumbed me down, my computer has wasted so many hours. I take that back – I have done this to myself.
Please turn it off, I’m tired
Of bang bang bang shoot ’em up movies — Bang Bang by The Avett Brothers
Not In This Soup Alone 