Yet another negative feature of modern
television is called “trash TV.” These daily talk
shows bring real people with strange or immoral
lives, personalities, or behavior to the screen.
Millions of viewers—including children—watch as
these “instant stars” tell their most personal
secrets, shout out their angry feelings and
opinions, and attack one another. TV watchers
seem to like the emotional atmosphere and
excitement of this kind of programming. What
effect does frequent viewing of such programs
have on people’s lives? It makes television more
real than reality, and normal living begins to seem
boring.