Sunday, January 27, 2013

#2 Bad for the Brain and eyes?

Remember when your parents told you not to sit too close to the T.V? We were all told that. But is it true?Based from my research that reading a book in dim light isn't really bad for you. Does it also apply to T.V?

In my blog I've been talking about the possible psychological effects of cartoons. But this time I'll explain the physical effects. Like is sitting too close to the T.V bad for the eyes?

We all know that we have to watch T.V form a specific distance. And some specialists believe that it is the appropriate way of watching T.V.

 I saw an article on http://www.bgsu.edu/ titled Television’s Effect on the Brain and Eyes By: Robert Leu 
http://www.bgsu.edu/departments/tcom/faculty/ha/tcom103fall2004/gp9/ .

 "Most eye specialists agree that watching television is not a danger to the eyes, as long as children watch in the right conditions."

As for the eyes. Watching too close to the T.V isn't that bad. But it may cause eye fatigue. So our parents were right with sitting too close to the T.V. But what about the brain? Also stated in  Television’s Effect on the Brain and Eyes By: Robert Leu:


In December 1997, an episode of the Japanese cartoon “Pocket Monster” (later renamed “Pokémon” for international distribution) drew worldwide attention after multiple cases of children suffering seizures after watching the episode were reported (Warner, 2004).

Is it really possible? Yes, this was in the past. But there is still the possibility that it could happen again. But thinking about it there must be a factor that caused this. It may or may not be the cartoon. I could be a certain type of food the caused this since it happened specifically in that year. And that no other problems were reported after. 



Another effect that cartoons also have is, attention deficit disorder. It is said that because if the different images produced by cartoons that it creates a sense in the brain to have a shorter attention span.  There is no specific show as to why this is happening. But the complete randomness of some cartoons seems to develop this. And since it affects the brain. It means that not just the attention span of the child is affected. There is also a possibility that it affects the understanding of the child and makes the child 'ignorant'.  

Brain and Eyes. Not really seemed to be taken care of until pointed out. The most valued organs are the most neglected. We should be more aware of the effects of certain object to our body. After this, will you watch cartoons for that long again? 

#1 effects of cartoons

Ever wondered what are the effects of cartoons? Especially to children. Usually children, become enthusiastic viewers at a young age. Not that it's bad since it develops creativity and imagination. But too much cartoons could be a problem? Does it really affect the childs' way of thinking?

While searching for cartoons and it's effects I read that cartoons does in fact have a effect on the mental and emotional being of a child.

 I came across an article on bgsu.edu http://www.bgsu.edu/departments/tcom/faculty/ha/tcom103fall2004/gp9/. It mostly covers what my intentions are and I find it very informative. It's titled: Mental and Psychological Effects of Children’s Cartoons by Stevie Hossler. Which states:


''The Children who watch too much cartoons on television are more likely to have mental and emotional problems, along with brain and eye injuries and unexpectedly the risk of a physical problem increases. Mental and Psychological Effects on Children who Watch Cartoons From the time children start school to the time that they graduate they are averaged to spend around 13,000 hours in school.''

In which under the childs' defense SCHOOL IS BORING. Of course we have to learn, but by just spending all our time on it is in fact a waste. Especially topics that we won't really use in life. But that doesn't excuse cartoons. Which also, too much is bad. But by just focusing on one side doesn't solve anything. It is possible that cartoons could make children lazy and uninterested in school. But not all cartoons are educational. Even some are extremely violent and  stupid. Children could copy their actions. Even though some people say that they won't. But there is a possibility that they could and they would. What if, the cartoon had a  hidden meaning? like something sexual. The child could mimic the action until he/she grows up and ruin their image or do something offensive. 

 But it will also depend on the child. Are the parents strict? and is the child mature enough to understand what is good and bad. Yes, a child won't exactly know what's the difference between good and bad. But enough to understand that not everything is all fun and games.

For more detailed information just visit http://www.bgsu.edu/departments/tcom/faculty/ha/tcom103fall2004/gp9/ . 

Friday, January 18, 2013

IDEA

subliminal messages + cartoons

We've all watched cartoons. 90's cartoons like Hey Arnold, Rugrats or current cartoons like the ever popular Adventure Time. All fun, colorful and child friendly?

Many theories state that there could be subliminal messages in these cartoons meant for children. Are they intentional? or just a coincidence?  But  first what is a subliminal message? http://subliminalmessaging.org/ states that:

"Subliminal messages are pictures or words which are not recognized by the conscious mind, but instead recorded in the subconscious." 
-author unknown 

These subliminal messages could be for self improvement, marketing or what would people say "brain wash".
But are the messages in these cartoons used for the same purpose? Maybe some. But not all. Other theories suggest that these cartoons also implant messages of sexuality, vices and mental illness. 

Is it good for children? Has it affected the minds of the generation that grew up watching cartoons? In the past few years have the rates of drug users, alcoholics, murderers and mentally ill rise? or decrease? Of course not all of that is caused by cartoons. But it could be one of the reasons as to why. 

Should animators create a safe cartoons? Will the children become more civilized if the cartoons become more 'appropriate'? or, will they just become more curious and might consider doing the wrong decisions because they are unaware of the consequences? 

Are parents aware of the messages? Should parents allow children to watch cartoons? and affect the childs' imagination and socialization with other children.   

 But then again these are just all theories. Nothing is certain whether or not this is all real. Though they may not be real, it doesn't mean that there's no possibility that they are. 






Tuesday, January 15, 2013

INTRO~

Hello World!! I'm Mitch, here to discuss certain topics for school.
I'm not that good with writing so, hopefully I'll improve in the next few days.