A review of literature and two surveys, one of college students and one of a random sample of adults, were used to examine four aspects of media embedded interactions (social behavior in front of a TV or radio): their functions, their environment, their effects, and the reactions of the interactants to them. Television is seen as performing a social function, bringing family members together, providing topics of conversation, acting as a tension release, and serving as a scapegoat, though the nature of the situation thwarts many of these effects. The active environment provided by radio and television affected both the amount and the content (often program related) of conversations held during interactions, with TV's effects being greater and more negative. These results indicate both possible benefits and potentially harmful effects of media interactions and suggest a substantial mediating effect of interactants on the impact of media messages, facts media researchers should keep in mind. (JL)