It is believed by some that current television and computer technologies have rendered live performances obsolete as shows and concerts can be viewed digitally. While screens have undoubtedly widened access to entertainment, I believe that live performances continue to remain highly relevant.
It is agreeable that television and computers have improved access to live performances. Traditionally, being able to watch a popular concert or theatrical show often required travelling long distances to a particular venue that entailed transport, accommodation and admission costs. These expenses, coupled with the required energy and time for such an endeavour, meant live entertainment remained a domain of the rich and healthy. However, with the advent of computer and television technology, cultural and entertainment experiences have been made widely available and affordable to the masses. People can now watch concerts or shows on their screens, from the comfort of their homes, and with little to no charge. For those seeking a more structured experience, there are also professionally recorded performances available online, often at a fraction of the cost of attending such events in person. This democratized access has led to greater public exposure to music, theatre and other forms of entertainment, contributing to the appreciation and preservation of the performing arts.
However, it is simply short-sighted to assume that television and computers have phased out live performances. While online viewing experiences can provide high-quality visual and audio representations of a concert or show, they cannot fully replicate the critical elements that make attending a performance in person a genuine and authentic experience. For example, being able to sit in a concert hall surrounded by other spectators, immersing oneself in the atmosphere of the venue, and feeling the energy of a live audience and witnessing performers responding spontaneously to the crowd that online viewers might miss are all unique benefits that only visitors to live events can enjoy. The enhanced sensory and social experience, as a result, can spark a strong emotional connection between individuals and live performances, making in-person attendance more meaningful than digital viewing. By making cultural experiences more enjoyable and emotionally powerful, live performances play a vital role in preserving and promoting the performing arts, thereby remaining irreplaceable.
In conclusion, I agree that television and computers have improved both the accessibility and affordability of watching live performances. However, they are complementary to traditional live shows and concerts instead of an alternative to them.