"在日常商业活动中，电视并不是那么关心通信业务，而是更关心将观众交付给广告商的业务。人们是商品，而不是节目。节目只不过是诱饵。"

Television isn't really about communication; it's about selling audiences to advertisers. Think about it: when you watch TV, you’re not just enjoying a show, you’re part of a transaction. TV networks aim to attract as many viewers as possible and then sell that captive audience to companies who want to advertise their products.

Historically, this observation has been relevant since the early days of commercial television. Back in the 1950s, TV was booming, and networks discovered they could make significant profits by selling advertising slots. Over time, this practice became more refined. By the 21st century, it was clear that shows were designed not just for entertainment, but to capture and retain viewers' attention—viewers who would then be exposed to ads.

To see this in action, let’s dive into the world of Super Bowl commercials. Every year, millions of people tune in to watch the Super Bowl. Advertisers are well aware of this massive audience. That’s why companies are willing to pay millions of dollars for just a few seconds of airtime. The actual game (and the halftime show) is the bait. The viewers are the real product being sold. Companies are paying to get their messages in front of as many eyes as possible, hoping to boost their sales.

So, how can you use this insight in your own life? First, become more aware of your viewing habits. If you know that shows are designed to keep you watching so you can see more ads, you might become more selective about what you watch. Maybe use streaming services that offer ad-free options. Another tip is to be critical of commercials. Just because an ad pops up during your favorite show doesn’t mean you need to buy what’s being sold. Think about your needs and wants independently of what the TV tells you.

Imagine you’re sitting on your couch on a lazy Sunday, flipping through channels. You land on a gripping drama. You’re hooked. But every ten minutes, it cuts to a commercial break. You watch ads for the latest smartphone, a new snack food, and a blockbuster movie. It can get annoying, right? This is the perfect time to remind yourself: you’re the product. The show is keeping you there so you can see these ads.

Let’s say your friend Jane loves reality TV. She’s hooked on a series that airs every weeknight. She doesn’t miss an episode. But Jane often finds herself buying products she sees advertised during her favorite show. A new makeup brand, a kitchen gadget, even a subscription service for workout videos. One day, she realizes her spending has gone up and wonders why. She then recalls our conversation about being the merchandise. She starts to question whether she truly needs these products or if she’s being influenced by the constant ads. By simply understanding this dynamic, Jane becomes more mindful of her decisions and starts saving more money.

In the end, the key takeaway is awareness. By knowing that TV networks sell your attention to advertisers, you can make more conscious choices about what you watch and how you respond to ads. It’s like having a superpower in the media-saturated world we live in. So next time you’re glued to the screen, remember: you’re the prize in this game. Stay savvy and keep your eyes wide open.