Final answer:
Television has played a significant role in socializing society, reinforcing norms, values, and beliefs, and can serve as a medium for religious expressions. It has also acted as a source of relationships as depicted in television characters, revealing societal shifts in human interaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the Impact of Television on Society
The question refers to the impact of television on society, which has been profound and multifaceted. With 98 percent of U.S. homes owning at least one television set by the late 1990s, and people watching an average of two and a half to five hours daily, television has become a significant socializing force. It offers reference groups while reinforcing societal norms, values, and beliefs. Moreover, television can serve as a medium for modern expressions of religious beliefs and experiences, as seen in Katrien Pype's study of Congolese television dramas, where TV shows like The Heart of Man connect evangelical Christians with their beliefs through emotional and bodily responses. On the other hand, television's role in providing relationships, as with the character Mildred, can become a form of social commentary on how technology can replace traditional human interactions.