Today, TV series do not only tell stories; they also teach society what is considered normal. After a while, the language repeated on screen turns into everyday speech, and from there into behavior. The same erosion of values has been reproduced non-stop for years. And then we are surprised: “Why has society become like this?”
But the answer is simple: Society looks like whatever it applauds.
It is impossible to underestimate this impact. Studies conducted in Turkey show that approximately 70 percent of the society watches television every day, and that the majority of viewers follow TV series as their main content. TV series are no longer just entertainment; they produce a language of emotion, a model of relationship and a form of reaction for millions of people. It is unrealistic to say that such a widespread area of contact does not affect society.
The problem is not only violence. Violence is the most visible part. The real problem is the normalization of evasion of responsibility, brutality and immoderation. Being unable to contain oneself is presented as “sincerity”, shouting as “naturalness”, and breaking things is presented as “reality”. As the measure is lost, behaviors do not become free; they become sloppy. The one who is silent is considered weak and the one who shouts is considered right.
The price of this language is paid most heavily in the family. Instead of being a place of trust and solidarity, the family turns into a space of constant conflict. Loyalty is devalued, sacrifice is made to look like stupidity, setting limits is considered oppression. Then children grow up but do not mature. Because the language learned at home is carried over into life. This is exactly where the leaven of society breaks down.
What psychiatrist Carl Jung called the “shadow” is repressed anger, greed and desire for power. These emotions do not disappear. But if they are not restrained, they begin to rule the human being. This is exactly what happens today: mistaking loss of control for sincerity. But it is not a virtue, it is a weakness.
This effect is not limited to relationships. In some cases of violence, threats and domestic crimes reported in the press in recent years, it is observed that the language used by the perpetrator, the way they justify the events and the logic of “holding them to account” are similar to the narratives seen on the screen.
The point here is not to say “crime was committed because of the TV series”. The point that social sciences point to is this:
Repeated patterns of behavior in the media can create an imitation and legitimization effect, especially in individuals with poor anger control and boundary problems. The language and justification of the crime is learned, not the crime itself. Violence becomes normalized as a form of reaction.
So why aren't TV series that improve society being made?
Because there is no equivalent. Noise attracts attention more quickly, immoderation is more easily followed. Depth requires labor, patience and continuity. Today, however, content that is consumed quickly and generates instant reaction is rewarded. Therefore, scenes that provoke emotions are produced, not stories that mature people. The issue is not the intention; it is what is applauded.
That is why moral norms exist. Not to force people to be good, but to live together. Norms set limits. When norms are withdrawn, freedom does not increase; arbitrariness increases. Where there is arbitrariness, there is no justice, no trust.
Morality is not an outdated set of rules.
Morality is the insurance of society.
If you remove the fuse, it's not just the screen that burns out at the first failure; it's life itself.