Cultivation Theory is a social theory that examines the long-term effects of television on viewers' perceptions of reality. Developed by George Gerbner in the 1960s, it suggests that heavy television viewers are more likely to perceive the world in ways that reflect the most common and recurrent messages presented in media, particularly violence and stereotypes. The theory posits that consistent exposure to certain themes can shape individuals' beliefs and attitudes over time. For example, frequent viewers of violent shows may come to believe that the world is more dangerous than it actually is, leading to increased fear and mistrust of others in their daily lives.