It is widely accepted that the television is playing an important part in people's lives. But there is a heated discussion about whether the television is good or bad for people.

The television keeps one learning more about present events, allows one to follow the most recent developments in politics and science, and offers various programs which are both instructive and exciting. The most distant countries, the strangest customs and the most attractive scenes of nature are brought right into one's room or house.

However, some people insist that the television is bad rather than good. They argue that it has brought about many serious problems. The major one is its effects on young people. Children are now used to getting their information and entertainment from the television, so their ability to read and write as well as physical ability has been greatly weakened. Even worse than that, vulgar (庸俗的) advertisements and poor programs may develop their bad taste and badly shape their viewpoints on human life.

In a word, the television has both advantages and disadvantages. Whatever effects it has, the television itself is neither good nor bad.