Books vs TV - Sample

Since TV and computer games first became widely available to the public in the 20th century, people have claimed that playing computer games is detrimental to children, and that they should preferably read books instead. Be that as it may, as television and computer games develop and become more and more widespread, plenty of research has been done on the subject and they seem to suggest that watching TV and playing computer games may have at least some benefits.

Opponents of digital entertainment insist that it ruins childhoods and that books are more beneficial to young minds. Indeed, when consumed without moderation, computers and TVs can be addictive and thus prevent children from doing other beneficial activities - such as playing sports, studying or socializing - all of which are fundamental in shaping a child’s development. Books, on the other hand, are far less addictive while being potentially every bit as entertaining as their digital alternatives. Nonetheless, these possible negative outcomes is only tangentially related to digital media itself; rather, they point to deeper problems such as the lack of self-control or inattentive caretakers. In other words, the undesirable impact of digital entertainment like television and computer games comes from excessive consumption, not from the medium. Thus, it is perhaps more practical to look past these purported downsides of digital media and determine if there are benefits to be had when compared to traditional book reading.

There are, in fact, numerous benefits that children can gain when playing video games. Researchers have observed a correlation between gaming and improved hand-eye coordination, forward planning and critical thinking. Furthermore, by design, television, movies, and video games are more immersive and compelling as story-telling devices - especially to young children. Because of the shorter attention span of children, the increased engagement can prove invaluable for educators and guardians in their efforts. Therefore, in certain situations and contexts, reading books is not necessarily better than watching television or playing computer games.

In conclusion, while books are undeniably a valuable tool in education and in children’s upbringing, one should not overlook the potential benefits of digital media such as television and video games, provided that they are consumed reasonably and responsibly.

(363 words, band 7)