In a nutshell, the cultivation theory suggests that what is viewed on TV shapes viewers' perceptions of reality. In other words, major themes and stereotypes that viewers are exposed to directly influence how they view reality to be. For example, the cultivation theory argues that if one is frequently exposed to shows that present themes about law and order, that the person's beliefs about "real" law and order will be impacted by this exposure.
In a nutshell, the cultivation theory suggests that what is viewed on TV shapes viewers' perceptions of reality. In other words, major themes and stereotypes that viewers are exposed to directly influence how they view reality to be. For example, the cultivation theory argues that if one is frequently exposed to shows that present themes about law and order, that the person's beliefs about "real" law and order will be impacted by this exposure.