academic writing 40分

１。Stereotyping
Television programs tend to perpetuate stereotypes among minorities and majorities. This trend is prevalent in regard to race, gender and age. As children tend to imitate what they observe, especially on television, discrimination is hardly unexpected from these children; if discrimination is not a consequence, then at the very least, a misunderstanding is.
２。Health Effects
Children watching television are subject to adverse health effects, whether the viewing is in small, moderate or excessive amounts. Research and mere observation reveal the myriad problems affecting children's health. These effects include, but are not limited to elevated cholestrol, a type of malnutrition, increased frequency of obesity, and sleep deprivation.
３。Sensory Deprivation
Sensory deprivation is one of the myriad consequences of watching an excessive amount of television. Signs of sensory deprivation include "diminished breathing, decreased awareness。
４。Ｍedia violence
The most studied of these issues has been the impact of media violence on children. Over a thousand academic studies have been completed, with remarkably consistent results: media violence makes our kids more aggressive, less patient, and more fearful of the world around them. Watching violence desensitizes children to actual acts of violence.
５。 Impact on self-image
Impact on self-image, particularly of teens, is substantial and well-documented. The combined effects of television (passivity, lowered physical activity, increased aggressiveness, sense of isolation, etc.) contribute to the negative changes in adolescent behavior over the last twenty years. Dramatic increases in anorexia, bulemia, depression, and self-mutilation over the last decade are certainly symptoms of an underlying cultural problem - one that television contributes to substantially.
６。 Passive watching
Television doesn't have to be violent or vulgar to have a negative effect. Excessive television watching of any sort has clear psychological and physiological effects on children. We refer to this as the "couch potato" syndrome. Several studies have documented that even benign television content decreases children's creativity and imagination, decreases physical activity, increases obesity. Lowered grades, decreased ability to handle stress and conflict, and higher levels of aggressive behavior with peers have also been clearly documented.

The social and cultural values implied in drama serials and commercials are often incorrect. There is often a remarkable display and exaggerated presentation of wealth and luxury on the screen. Making money, consuming luxurious goods, pursuing material comforts and enjoying life have become the sole goal in life for many Hong Kong citizens. The traditional virtues of diligence and thrift are long forgotten.

Some programmes have unsound themes. Abusive language and triad terms can often be heard in these programmes. The adverse effect is that vulgar language has become many people's daily language.

Adolescents often imitate indiscriminately the characters portrayed in the drama serials. Television often reflects and stresses the evil side of life. Programmes with positive values and significance are lacking. This makes young people feel bewildered and they doubt the real meaning of life. Undesirable television programmes are one of the major causes that has led to an increase in juvenile delinquency.

Many bad programmes may corrupt children's minds. Sex and violence are often exaggerated on the screen. They make children misunderstand sex and blindly resort to violence.

Many children are absorbed in the programmes, thus neglecting their studies. Many students can hardly concentrate on their studies because of television. Televsiion often distracts children from their studies.

Many children stay up late watching televisiion and this is very harmful to their health. Watching television for a long time will also harm their eyesight.

Watching television is a passive form of entertainment and therefore children are deprived of the opportunity of independent thinking. To some extent, television controls people's thinking and stifles their imagination. People usually accept passively what they see without considering whether it is right or wrong. Most television viewers lack the ability to judge and do not have a critical mind. Moreover, they are easily influenced by the commercials.

We must exercise strict self-control and not indulge in watching television excessively. We had better make good use of the educational programmes. The authorities concerned should exercise strict censorship on television programmes and commercials.

The conclusion is that television can be beneficial to most people provided that they can use it wisely and properly.