Frontline Season 13 Episode 7 Does TV Kill?

In the episode "Does TV Kill?" of Frontline season 13, the long-debated question regarding whether television has a negative impact on its viewers' behavior and health is explored. The episode highlights the concerns of parents, educators, and politicians, who worry that the violent images and messages portrayed in television shows are linked to real-life violence and desensitization to aggression.

Frontline delves into various research studies that have been conducted over the years to examine the relationship between television watching and aggressive behavior. The episode covers the famous Bobo Doll experiment conducted by psychologist Albert Bandura in the 1960s, which seemed to show that children who watched violent shows were more likely to imitate the aggressive behavior shown on television. The episode also looks at newer studies that suggest that the relationship between television violence and aggression is not as straight-forward as previously thought.

The show features interviews with experts in the field, including psychologists, media scholars, and social commentators, who provide their own perspectives on the issue. Viewers hear from people such as David Grossman, a retired U.S. Army colonel, who argues that the effects of violent media are particularly impactful on soldiers who are desensitized to violence. The episode also includes interviews with media professionals, such as actors and writers of popular television shows like The Sopranos and NYPD Blue, revealing their own thoughts and concerns about the impact of their work on their viewers.

The episode does not only focus on violence, but also on the effects of television on viewers' health. An expert on obesity discusses how the constant exposure to junk food marketing in commercials has contributed to the increasing rates of obesity in children. Another expert explains how sitting in front of the television for long periods can lead to physical inactivity and related health problems.

Frontline also discusses the role of television as a vehicle of education and information. The episode features interviews with educators who highlight how television shows like Sesame Street have been instrumental in teaching children basic literacy and numeracy skills. They argue that, if used correctly, television can be a valuable tool for education and learning.

Throughout the episode, Frontline presents a nuanced view of the issue. The show presents evidence that suggests that television violence can have negative effects on some viewers, particularly children. The episode also acknowledges that there is no clear-cut answer to the question of whether television is a danger to its viewers or not. Frontline leaves it up to the viewers to draw their own conclusions as the experts provide their opinions.

In conclusion, Frontline season 13 episode 7 titled "Does TV Kill?" explores the impact of television on viewer behavior and health. The show presents a range of perspectives from experts in the field and highlights the concerns of parents, educators, and politicians who worry about the negative effects of television. The episode presents a nuanced view of the issue and leaves it up to the viewer to decide whether television poses a danger or not.