ABSTRACT
People are attracted to the subject of television and social behavior for a variety of reasons. Some are challenged by the promise of the medium and point to its potential for expanding our experiential horizons through our almost instanteous and simultaneous exposure to people and events around the world. There are others who express concern about the possible harmful effects of television. They raise the specter of its potential for constricting our intellectual and social horizons by converting active human beings into passive and highly influenceable “vidiots.” However, both critics and proponents share the perspective that we are all embroiled in mass media environments that require improved understanding if we are to comprehend complex societies and if we are to propose sensible public policies for the mass media.
