This review encompasses a multi-faceted array of literature topics that are each separate entities in their own right.  In addition, they have a commonality among themselves that will be more evident to you as this review progresses.  The main focus of this paper is concerned with our understanding of visual learning and the implications involved when the practice of it is combined with the digital media of television and computers (Hardebeck, 2000; Hobbs, 1996, Calvin, 1998). Media and information technology are molding our culture (Eagleton, 1991; Macionis, 1998; Mander & Goldsmith, 1996; Iyengar, 1991).  Much has been written about the effects of television viewing and its possible connection with violent behavior, memory, anger, and its effects on people's abilities to learn (Bushman, 1998; Gore, 1994; Greto, 1999; Johnson, 1999; Kaufman, 1998; Murray, 1999; Winn, 1985).  This research focuses on another aspect, the possible effects that viewing digital media may be having on society in general in the manner of behavior modification (Johnson, 1999, Knight, 1998, Macionis, 1998; Skinner, 1979; Spock, 1998; Jana, 2000).


Overall Questions that will guide this review of literature are the following:

• In our society, what habits have evolved into becoming part of a daily routine that includes television and computers?
• In what ways have television and computers affected communication between people in our society?
• Are there certain conditions that may increase or decrease the potential for behavior modification in an individual when using a computer or television?
• What technological advances increase the potential for subverting individual thought?

This paper will be subdivided into the following perspectives:

• Historical: Educational
• Technological
• Societal