Media has a huge effect on how it influences society as a whole. Reality TV in particular effects all people of every generation. These shows try to depict reality but in fact it is more of a fantasy of what people would like their world to be like rather than what reality is in their world. It started years ago with shows such as Candid Camera to see how people would react. It then moved in to shows like Cops in the 80’s to Survivor in the 90s.These shows have morphed into reality TV that has had a negative impact on kids and teens; society as a whole and even the participants of the reality TV shows themselves. These shows are not only ethically questionable but effect society on a whole. What can we do as a society to help curb these problems?
Since reality TV exploded in the 2000’s, it is TV’s most popular genre. It is exposing our teens and kids to sex, drugs and foul language at very young ages. As this habit is growing, teens and kids are suffering from lack of self-esteem. It can even give kids and teens and false hope if what their lives will one day be like. Dr. Adair, a clinical psychologist and school consultant says in The Reality of Reality TV “reality TV plays into a huge shift in our culture where kids say what matters most is fame” (Adair – Spirit magazine). It brings a false reality to kids and the focus on shallow things such as fame. Kid’s minds are still growing and they are learning their sense of reality from things that aren’t real. Kid’s brains are like sponges. They soak up everything from their surroundings and what they are exposed to. They tend to imitate what they see and some of these reality TV shows have violence in them, which can later cause a child to become aggressive. Even though they know they are scripted shows, they tend to imitate what they see. Over time, the exposure of reality TV can have influences over teens’ views of the real world. Dr. Tsay-Vogel, Assistant Professor of Communication at Boston University has researched the effect of reality TV on teens and confirms, “the division between fact and fantasy is blurred…heavy exposure [to reality TV] affects peoples’ realities in the real world” (Tsay-Vogel). This means that the more and more reality television young teens watch, the more they begin losing sight of the real world and what’s truly important. (Spirit magazine). According to Holly Peek, M.D MPH, she states that, “Although reality TV can be highly entertaining, it’s important to be aware of the messages and values that these shows often portray. More importantly, it’s essential to be aware of what our children are watching so that we can teach them how to recognize and process the skewed values of television reality. This is tricky, as this programming easily deceives viewers into believing it is a true reflection of the real world.” (mghclaycenter.com). The only way of combating this negativity of Reality TV is for parents to monitor what their children are watching. Kids and teens should not have complete access to TV’s at all hours or in their rooms. Parents should set time limits and put blockers on the TV’s so kids don’t have unlimited access to the negativity that is harming them. At the very least, parents need to begin dialoging with their children about the effects of these shows on their lives.
Reality TV not only effects the youngest of our society but also effects society as a whole. Watching reality TV shows has caused society to define what real life situations look like from violence and abuse. These abuses range from physical, mental, emotional and sexual abuse. Reality TV has affected society as a whole very negatively. There are reality TV shows on that depict the family a certain way which gives people a false sense of reality. Reality TV shows have a major involvement in how society’s behave. According to Brad Gorham of Syracuse University, “reality TV has an effect on the behaviors of people in society. He claims that people are easily influenced by reality television because they eventually copy the behaviors portrayed on television and use them in real life. “ “There was another study done in 2008 by Lisa K. Lunday where they at 34 participants in 4 groups to discuss the effects of reality TV. As a result, there were mixed comments on the term ‘reality TV’. In fact, most participants considered reality television as an escape from reality, an irresistible phenomenon, or immoral.” These results show that reality TV is very addicting causing an even further negative effect on society. As with any addiction, more is needed to create more of the effect one needs. As stated in debatewise.org, some feel, “Reality TV is actually getting worse as the audience becomes more and more used to the genre. In a search for ratings and media coverage, shows are becoming ever more vulgar and offensive, trying to find new ways to shock. Already some “Big Brother” programs have shown men and women having sex on live TV. Others have involved fights and racist bullying. Do we let things continue until someone has to die on TV to boost the ratings?” Families should be together living as a family not watching a false witness of what a family should be or is according to these shows. Better societies begin with bettering the family, not watching a false sense of what it should be.
The third negative effect that reality TV has is on the participants themselves. One of the effects is the instant success that the reality TV show participants receive. Not everyone can deal with this instant success. From inflated egos to unrealistic expectations of what this all entails. Those who allow instant success to affect them usually behave in “outrageous behavior in public and break laws.” (entertainism.com). There are seemingly good shows with great results that can also affect the participants negatively. In shows such as Extreme Makeover where they help people in dire situations to improve their living conditions, it can still have a negative impact. There are some participants who can’t afford the higher premiums that come with bigger, nicer homes, such as the utility bills and taxes. What seems like a gift can sometimes end up being a difficult situation. Another aspect of reality TV shows for participants are the hidden skeletons in the closet. There has been a few reality TV shows such as the Duggars or the Willis Clan that have great family messages and seem to be a great family show until inside secrets are revealed about the participants themselves. Participants must ask themselves, why would anyone want to put themselves in the spotlight especially with hidden evils. It even seems that putting themselves in the spotlight could create issues for the families that may not have been there otherwise. Take the show John & Kate plus 8; a seemingly normal family with an incredible story that may have been swept up by the fame at the expense of their marriage. Participants must really evaluate if what they are embarking in is really worth the end results.
While reality TV seems to be something fun that we just watch for the fun of it, without any negative effects, this is not the case. From the negative effect they pose on kids and teens, which are the most impressionable of our society, by the way they mimic or give a false sense of reality. There is also the negative effect on society as a whole. With an increase in depression and suicide, in our society one must asked themselves is what we are watching and mentally consuming really worth all the negative effects we are receiving. Lastly the negative effect on the participants themselves makes these reality TV shows even more questionable. As a whole, we as a society do not benefit from all the adverse negative effects of reality TV and we need to question and ask ourselves is the cost of entertainment all worth it.