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Can television shows change people's perceptions and behavior?

Shania Rieflin

Oh boy, do I have an opinion on this one! As an avid TV watcher and social media user, I have seen firsthand how the power of television shows and media can drastically change people's perceptions and behavior.

Let's start with perceptions. Have you ever watched a show and found yourself suddenly feeling more empathetic towards a group of people you previously knew very little about? Maybe it was a show highlighting the experiences of immigrants, or the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community. Whatever the subject, television has the ability to share stories and perspectives that we may not have encountered otherwise. This can lead to a shift in our perceptions of certain groups of people, erasing stereotypes and misconceptions we may have previously held.

And when it comes to behavior, TV can be a major influencer. Think about the "Friends" haircut phenomenon - everyone and their mother was suddenly sporting "The Rachel" in the 90s. And I can't even count the number of times I've seen a TV show or movie and been inspired to try a new hobby or travel to a new destination. But the influence goes beyond fashion and extracurricular activities. TV can also change our behavior in more profound ways. Take, for instance, the impact of shows like "Breaking Bad" or "Narcos" - both have been linked to an increase in drug-related searches and activity.

But the question remains, can TV shows change people's perceptions and behavior for the better? I would argue yes, absolutely. There are countless examples of shows that have sparked important conversations and inspired positive change. Look at "13 Reasons Why", which brought attention to mental health and suicide prevention. Or "Orange is the New Black", which shed light on the problems with the prison system. And let's not forget "Queer Eye" - if that show doesn't make you want to be a better person, I don't know what will.

Of course, there are also examples of shows that have negative effects. The portrayal of certain groups or behaviors in a negative light can lead to increased discrimination and even violence. And there is always the danger of oversimplifying complex issues or presenting one-sided viewpoints.

So, can television shows change people's perceptions and behavior? The answer is a resounding yes, but with that power comes great responsibility. As viewers, we need to be mindful of the media we consume and recognize the potential impact it may have on our own perceptions and behavior. And as creators, we need to be responsible with the stories we tell and the messages we send.

In conclusion, television shows have a lot of power and influence over us as viewers. They can change our perceptions and behavior, for better or for worse. But ultimately, it's up to us to decide how we consume media and how we use that information to shape our own attitudes and actions. So grab the remote, settle in, and let's see what the magical world of television has in store for us next.