Everyone knows the brightness of a television and the silence it breaks, its comfort. When people think of television they don't usually associate it with addiction. Television has been a popular pastime in the United States since the 1950s, but it can come with some pretty serious consequences. “Watching television presents many of the signs of an addiction such as alcoholism or other addictions” (Goleman); it alters the mental state of anyone who looks at it. Large amounts of television are addictive and harmful to health because of the dependence it imposes on people, the emotional relief it brings, and because of the numerous negative health effects it can cause. Television has relieved the stress and worries of real life for many years now. decades. Many people turn to television for comfort and relief 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 favorite programs just for pleasure” (Goleman). Television can consume and destroy the lives of anyone trapped in its warm comfort; however, television can also be quite beneficial to your health. Promotes learning, helps develop critical thinking skills, and helps form social connections with friends and family. This is especially true in children who have just begun 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 can broaden young children's knowledge and increase their imagination." It is true that numerous television programs show... middle of paper... watch television. “You burn more calories by sleeping,” says Rachael Combe of Elle's Health and Fitness division. Sleeping is also healthier than watching television. This really shows how unnatural and unhealthy watching television is. Television can be a great tool, but controlling your screen time is essential to a healthy lifestyle. Unchecked, television can be devastating to the overall health of society. Its addictive properties are just like those of alcohol and can cause just as many harmful effects. There are many other ways to deal with stress and get relief, such as talking about problems with friends and family, taking up a hobby, or even taking up a new sport. Don't be a statistic. Get up, grab that soccer ball and go play with some friends. Over time, television addiction can be stopped with the help of a more caring and active generation.