Television is Leading Bad Culture Essay for Upsc

Television is one of the most powerful inventions of the modern age. It changed the way people see the world. When television first came into homes, people were very excited. Families used to sit together and watch programs. It was seen as a window to the world. Television gave people news, education, entertainment, and information. It had the power to connect cities, countries, and even cultures.

But slowly, this powerful invention started to show its darker side. Today, many people believe that television is not only a source of entertainment but also a source of many social problems. It is shaping our culture in dangerous ways. Instead of building good values, it often spreads bad habits, false ideas, and unhealthy lifestyles. In this essay, we will explore how television is leading bad culture in society.

1. The Culture of Violence

One of the biggest problems with television is the promotion of violence. Action shows, crime dramas, and movies often show fighting, killing, and destruction as if it is normal. Children grow up watching heroes fighting villains with guns, swords, or bombs. Even cartoons today show violent acts in a funny way.

This creates a culture where violence looks acceptable. People, especially young viewers, may believe that solving problems with violence is natural. Studies have shown that children who watch violent programs are more likely to become aggressive in real life. When television shows murder, war, and blood every day, it makes people insensitive. Violence becomes entertainment instead of something we should avoid.

2. The Culture of Consumerism

Television is also one of the strongest tools for advertising. Companies spend billions to show their products on TV. Every break between programs is filled with commercials for clothes, cars, food, gadgets, and beauty products.

These advertisements often make people feel unhappy with what they have. They create the idea that happiness comes from buying new things. For example, a simple soap is not enough; you need a “special beauty soap.” A normal phone is not enough; you must buy the “latest smartphone.”

This culture of consumerism pushes people to spend more money than they can afford. Children also grow up asking for toys, clothes, or fast food because they saw it on TV. Television teaches people to value material things over simple living, hard work, and human relationships.

3. The Culture of Unrealistic Beauty

Television also spreads unhealthy ideas about beauty. In dramas, films, and advertisements, most actors and models look “perfect.” They are often slim, fair-skinned, tall, and stylish. These images create pressure on viewers, especially young girls, to look the same.

When real life does not match these unrealistic standards, people feel insecure. Many teenagers start dieting, using harmful beauty products, or even going for surgery just to look like the stars they see on television. Boys also start believing that they must look muscular or rich to be respected.

This culture of unrealistic beauty destroys self-confidence and leads to problems like body shaming, eating disorders, and depression. Instead of teaching people to love themselves, television teaches them to chase impossible standards.

4. The Culture of Addiction

Television is highly addictive. Many people spend hours in front of the screen, forgetting their studies, work, or health. Children prefer watching cartoons or shows instead of playing outside. Adults prefer binge-watching series instead of spending time with family or reading books.

This addiction weakens family bonds. Earlier, families used to talk, share stories, and eat meals together. Now, everyone is busy watching their own shows. Television has reduced the art of conversation and real human connection.

Addiction also harms health. Sitting for long hours leads to obesity, eye strain, and laziness. People who spend too much time with television often neglect exercise, hobbies, and outdoor activities. This creates a culture of laziness and poor health.

5. The Culture of Fake Reality

Another dangerous side of television is reality shows. These shows claim to be real, but most of them are scripted or exaggerated. Whether it is talent competitions, dating shows, or family dramas, much of what we see is fake.

But audiences believe it is real. They laugh, cry, and fight over what they watch, not knowing it is just an act for ratings. This creates a culture where people cannot separate truth from fiction. For example, children may believe that fame and money can come easily, without hard work, just like on TV shows.

This fake culture also spreads gossip, humiliation, and unhealthy competition. It teaches people that insulting others or creating drama is the way to become popular.

6. The Culture of Negative News

Television news is supposed to inform people. But in the race for high ratings, many news channels focus only on negative and sensational stories. Instead of balanced information, they show crime, scandals, political fights, and tragedies again and again.

This creates fear and mistrust in society. People start to believe that the world is only full of danger, crime, and corruption. Positive stories of kindness, innovation, or progress are rarely shown. This kind of reporting spreads panic and hopelessness, which is a form of cultural damage.

7. The Culture of Western Imitation

Television has also been a major force in spreading Western culture across the world. Many countries now watch Hollywood movies, Western music videos, and foreign shows more than their own traditional programs.

As a result, young people often imitate foreign lifestyles—clothing, language, food habits, and values. They may forget or ignore their own traditions, festivals, and languages. Slowly, local culture becomes weaker, and imported culture becomes stronger.

While learning about other cultures is good, blindly copying them creates a society without roots. Television is a big reason why many traditional values are disappearing.

8. The Culture of Shortcuts to Success

In many shows, success is shown as something easy and glamorous. Talent shows, celebrity interviews, or business dramas often give the impression that one can become rich and famous overnight.

This message is dangerous because real success takes years of hard work, patience, and discipline. When television shows shortcuts, it creates a culture of impatience. Young people may lose interest in studies or jobs because they dream of quick fame.

9. The Culture of Immorality

Television often shows content that promotes immorality. Many serials and movies are filled with scenes of cheating, dishonesty, betrayal, and crime. Characters are shown drinking, gambling, or lying without facing consequences.

This normalizes bad behavior. Children and teenagers may think it is fine to cheat in exams, lie to parents, or disrespect elders. The values of honesty, kindness, and responsibility are slowly being replaced by selfishness and greed.

10. The Way Forward

Even though television has many negative effects, it does not mean we should reject it completely. Television can be a powerful tool for good if used wisely. Educational channels, documentaries, cultural programs, and health shows can spread positive values.

The problem is not the machine but the way we use it. Families should control what they watch. Parents should guide children and set time limits. Governments and media companies should avoid showing harmful content. Schools should teach students to think critically about what they watch.

If used carefully, television can still support good culture instead of leading bad culture.

Television is one of the strongest influences on modern life. It has the power to shape minds, habits, and societies. Sadly, in many cases, it is leading us toward bad culture—violence, consumerism, addiction, false values, and loss of traditions.

But we still have a choice. By being responsible viewers and promoting better content, we can change the role of television in our lives. Instead of letting it control us, we must learn to control it.

The future of culture depends not only on technology but also on how wisely we use it. If we do not act carefully, television will continue to spread bad culture. But if we make the right choices, it can become a tool for education, unity, and progress.