Technology has the biggest impact on how people live in the 21st century. Since its invention in the 1920s, the television has shaped the world in different ways. Now, you’d find at least one TV in every household. In fact, it’s hard to imagine a home without a TV console.
In the following years after television became a home essential, the way we interacted with the device also evolved with technological advances. From home decor to how we speak, televisions drive culture shifts, especially on the home front.
Here’s a look at how television changed the world:
1. Transformed Home Decor
Before television became a mainstream concept, the interior decor of houses had to be functional. The entertainment area had a radio, piano, or whatever activity the family enjoyed. After families started watching televisions at home, architects considered building homes with a specific living area in mind.
Since the 2010s, TV consoles have also become a staple decor piece in the home. Flat screen television stands become the focal point of living rooms. You’d also find ultra-thin televisions doubling as decorative pieces on the fireplace.
2. Access to Live Shows
Having access to live shows is another way on how television changed the world. Imagine a world where buying tickets was the only way to experience your favorite live event. That seems hectic and expensive. From the World Cup to other sporting events, televisions allowed fans to enjoy live shows from the comfort of their homes.
Beyond sports, people got access to view defining events like the first moon landing of 1969. This enabled proper documenting of historic events, reaching people from different corners of the world. Now, you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to catch the Super Bowl games, when you can just turn on your TV.
3. Improved Social Interaction
TV allowed people with similar interests to connect over their shared love for different programs. Before the internet, watching television shows was a social event. Friends and family members would gather to watch and enjoy their preferred programs. These days, reality TV shows and television series drive massive conversations on the internet.
You’ll find Twitter hashtags containing tweets from people all over the world sharing their thoughts on a certain character or standout scene from the same show or film.
4. Changed How We Consume Food & Buy Products
Beyond social interaction, TVs influenced how we consumed food and shopped for our homes. Before Cable TV became a global phenomenon, cooking shows only aired during limited time slots. In fact, you’d only catch them during morning specials. Now, independent channels like Food Network broadcast food-related programs 24/7.
This consistent broadcast also birthed the rise of celebrity chefs who popularized food trends. This exposed people to a new world of cuisine featuring dishes from parts of the world they have never visited.
With advertisement, television also forced marketers to tell relatable stories to sell their products. Some companies even created short films to drive sales, creating characters the viewers could relate with. As a viewer, the quality of the advert you see on TV influences your decision to purchase, not necessarily the quality.
5. Global Consumption of Information
Back in the day, people had limited access to information and news. They had to wait for either radio broadcasts or newspaper reports of happenings all over the world.
Today, the television device has grown to become more than a source of entertainment. With a simple click on a button, you can access live global news from different countries. The device also serves as an educational resource for knowledge seekers. You’ll find a wide range of content teaching social and academic subjects like maths, geography, and science, on dedicated channels.
6. Gateway to Global Cultures
Before seeing colorful global cultures on your television screen, viewers had a limited worldview. However, through documentaries, you can learn about different cultures from your home. Popular trends across the fashion, film, and food industries also spread all over the world.
People also pick up new languages and vocabulary from the programs they watch. Popular catchphrases became popular thanks to TV characters and celebrities. It’s no longer strange to see people in different communities adopting values they learned from their TV screens.
7. Digital Entertainment
After many decades, entertainment transformed from a social event to a personal experience. Hence, people now stream their favorite live programs on the internet. Platforms like Netflix changed how we consumed documentaries, movies, and series.
As a result, fewer people watched traditional programs, since the hottest shows moved to the internet. Thankfully, the TV also changed with this evolution.
To cope with the fast-growing digital age, TV companies created the Smart TV and phased out old antenna systems. Smart TVs now offer the best video quality and internet connectivity to popular streaming apps, so viewers don’t have to give up television culture. They also come installed with artificial intelligence software like Alexa and Google Home to help navigate channels with voice commands.