Entertainment media and culture has evolved over the years and has taken over the world. Television is a major form of entertainment that has influenced just about anyone that watches it. Almost anywhere you go, you see pop stars on gossip websites such as TMZ and their lives on display for the world to see. There are so many different shows about celebrities and what they are doing in the world. Celebrity gossip has become a major part of entertainment media because the world wants to know what is going on with celebrities and their lives. “In 1948, only 1 percent of households had a TV set; by 1953, more than 50 percent had one; and since the early 1960’s, more than 90 percent of all homes have TV.” Having a television in this century means that people can always stay connected with the world to know what is going on and how it could possibly affect them. Television has shaped American culture by providing entertainment and news to the public. Television also helps with setting new trends and ensuring that the public is aware of such changes. Television has also been evolved into dvd video services and streaming with companies like Netflix and Hulu Plus. These are companies that came about within the last few years that serve as an alternative to television. Television will always be popular because of the information it gives to the public. Social influences on television are both positive and negative depending on what you are watching. There are specific channels for your specific likings so depending on if you are watching a news channel; the information that is being given could be both negative and positive. I think it all depends on what information you are looking for and that will determine if the information is negative or positive. I do believe that people use what they see on television as a catalyst for societal behaviors and attitudes because there are some people that emulate what they see on TV or even in movies. I have seen stories based off of what was seen on the television which set a seed in the person’s brain to make them think that what they are watching is indeed real. In fact it is not real, it is a form of entertainment that people use as an excuse for their behavior.

Reference :
Campbell, R. (2014). Media and Culture: Mass Communication in a Digital Age (9th ed.). Retrieved from The University of Phoenix eBook Collection database.