Everyone knows the brightness of a television and the silence it breaks, its comfort. When people think of television, they usually don't associate it with addiction. Watching television has been a popular pastime in the United States since the 1950s, but it can have some pretty serious consequences. “Watching television presents many signs of an addiction such as alcoholism or other addictions” (Goleman); it changes the mindset of anyone watching. Excessive amounts of television are addictive and harmful to health because of the dependence it imposes on people, the emotional relief it provides, and the many adverse health effects it can cause. Television has been relieving real-life stress and concerns for a long time. decades. Many people turn to television for comfort and relaxation at the end of the day. Over time, this reliance on relief becomes an addiction. “Compulsive viewers turn to television for comfort when they feel distressed, rather than watching their favorite programs purely for pleasure” (Goleman). Television can consume and destroy the life of anyone who becomes entangled in its warm solace; However, television can also be quite beneficial for your health. It promotes learning, helps develop critical thinking skills, and helps build social connections with friends and family members. This is especially true among children who have just started the educational process. According to Katharine Fitzgerald of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine, a new study shows that "television programs are successful in expanding young children's knowledge and enhancing their imagination." It's true that many television programs show......middle of paper......he watches television. “You burn more calories when you sleep,” says Rachael Combe of Elle's Health and Fitness division. Even sleeping is healthier than watching TV. This really shows how unnatural and unhealthy watching TV is. TV can be a great tool, but controlling screen time is essential to a healthy lifestyle. Left unchecked, television can have a devastating effect on the overall health of society. Its addictive properties are like those of alcohol and can cause just as many harmful effects. There are many other ways to manage stress and get relief, such as talking to friends and family about problems, taking up a hobby, or even starting a new sport. Don't be a statistic. Get up, grab that soccer ball and go play with some friends. Over time, TV addiction can be stopped with the help of a more caring and active generation..