<![CDATA[The Californian]]> <![CDATA[The Californian]]> /Portals/2/logos/__TFMF_o1rem245dlztjuuk1gt2o4ux_84490547-5cc3-4f2d-b4fd-15dda5de530b_0___Selected.jpg en-us Copyright 2008 - All Rights Reserved. Mon, 20 May 2013 07:38:28 GMT 15 <![CDATA[TV ratings plummet as students turn to the computer]]> By Chole Uyehara

Illustration by Shelley Shi

Ever since the Internet reached its peak in popularity, today’s generation can’t live without it. Besides becoming addicted to MySpace or Facebook, students are also watching their favorite television shows online. The television is not needed as much anymore because almost all television shows are streamed online. People can watch just about whatever show they want. “I watch ‘Mythbusters’ and some kid shows,” said freshman Toria Gibson. There are many different reasons why students watch television shows online. “It’s easier and I don’t have to worry about setting my schedule around my TV shows,” said senior David Solomon. The effect of all these people switching to the Internet is the reason for the rapid decline of television ratings. It won’t be long until the computer completely replaces the television. An estimated 81 million people, or 63 percent of the 129 million people who have access to Internet, watch broadband video at home or at work, according to research conducted by the Nielsen Company for the Cable & Telecommunications Association for Marketing (CTAM). In September 2006, the number was 70 million and reached 81 million by March 2007. That’s a change of 16 percent in just six months. “The amount of people that watch shows online will probably continue to increase as the quality and availability of TV shows increases on the Internet,” said senior Daynan Lai. But the analysis showed that television ratings were unaffected by Internet because this was all still new. “I don’t think TV ratings are affected because watching TV shows online is not widespread yet,” said Toria. “But it will eventually become a big thing.” One can only imagine what the numbers will look like in the near future. “I think TV ratings will go down,” said senior Brenna O’Sullivan. “Watching television shows online is now talked about in everyday life.” Some students may wonder what the big difference is between watching shows online and on television. “There aren’t really that many differences to watching TV shows online and on television,” said Toria. “Aside from some advertisements, they’re pretty much the same.” While watching television shows online may be more convenient for students, sometimes it can be somewhat of a nuisance. “It’s annoying to watch shows on the Internet,” said Brenna. “Even though there are no commercials, you still have to wait for it to load. “There are also too many distractions,” Brenna continued. “I would much rather watch something on a big screen and be able to relax on a couch.” Whatever the case may be, this trend of watching television shows online is bound to become huge. With new advances in technology, video streaming will eventually reach its peak in popularity. People are going to want to work their television schedules around their busy lives. As for right now, students are content with being able to access their favorite shows whenever they want and that’s all they really need. ]]> Fri, 06 Feb 2009 22:21:11 GMT