What was the social impact of TV?

It is no surprise that television has a major impact on society. Everything that you could possibly need is being advertised and pushed on you through the television. It is not just the products, it is popularity, style and the overall way of life (or what life should by as represented by those in charge) that is being sold to us through television programming, commercials and infomercials. Through shows, we are being taught how to act, what is and is not acceptible or popular to wear and even what careers are popular. One could believe that television has too much control over its viewers and that we are beginning to live a fantasy life. It could also be argues that the increase in crimes rates could be due to the rising level of violence being broadcasted daily. I agree with those that think that television impacts the very existance of its followers and has the overwhelming potential to suck us into its fantacy grip.