What is television doing to our society and our culture? What has it done to education? Television has had a great impact on human behavior but rather than communicating, it dictates a philosophy of life, moral judgments and a lifestyle. Television presents a violent image of society where fantasy and reality are often confused. It is a system controlled by only a few, yet the impact of their decisions reaches millions. The most important component, the viewer, is the least heard and the most unrecognized. A constant diet of television affects the cognitive process by eliminating creativity. Commercials preach a philosophy totally unrelated to realistic aspirations. Television has contributed to illiteracy by eliminating critical analysis and original thought. It creates and perpetuates stereotypes. Television news has become a visual newspaper but without the depth necessary for a comprehensive understanding of current events. The general public and especially parents have to become aware of the dangers of television. Most important, educators need to demand intelligent programming from the Federal Communications Commission and the stations themselves. Educators must also learn to compete successfully with television in the schools. (VT)