In "Amusing Ourselves to Death," Neil Postman argues that television fundamentally alters the way we acquire knowledge and understand the world. He suggests that the nature of television is inherently antagonistic to the complexities of written language, which fosters critical thinking and depth. Instead, television promotes superficiality and trivializes serious discourse, leading to a culture that prioritizes entertainment above all else.

Postman contends that the idea of "serious television" is an oxymoron, as the medium focuses solely on entertainment value. In this environment, in-depth conversations become incoherent and distracted, undermining the quality of public discourse. Overall, his critique highlights the detrimental effects of television on society's ability to engage with important issues thoughtfully and meaningfully.