essay om reality tv

Reality Television and Social Evaluation Essay

Introduction, fascinating viewers, works cited.

Television networks strive to produce unique programming each year. New-fangled programs guarantee more anticipation, comedy as well as amusement whereas they push the envelope of communally and ethically suitable, exciting, humorous, and enjoyable programs away.

A reality founded television, with regard to the current towering ratings, fits all these criteria. Reality Television is a programming genre that revolves around the daily practices of “real life” citizens.

This is, in contrast to the fictional characters, assumed by actors. In reality, TV shows that an individual is followed personally by the cameras.

On the other hand, it is possible to say that viewers do not really participate in the whole production process but only become involved in the fascinating day-to-day drama and plotlines as depicted on their screens (Frisby 35). It appears that individuals simply have fun and contentment in studying other individual’s lives.

There exist three very important classes within the reality field. These include: dating shows such as “The Bachelor”, game shows like “Survivor” as well as talent shows such as the “American Idol”.

Despite the fact that reality programming intensely runs during the normal season, there is a greater superfluity in the summer because such programs are economical to create and, in case they fail to portray ratings, they can easily be done away with. Furthermore, they can quickly be replaced with programmes that show progress and high ratings.

It is becoming more and more complicated to keep away from reality TV today. In restaurants, offices, health clubs and bars, the citizens are engrossed in discussions with regard to whatever they viewed on television the previous night.

Interestingly, such talk does not touch on world news but rather personalities. For instance, the topic may be based on what occurred on “The Apprentice.” Consequently, the talk may be a “did-you-see” discussion with regard to “The Bachelor” or any other Reality TV show such as “Cheaters” (Frisby 135).

Programs like such as “Fear Factor”, “The Apprentice,” “American Girl”, “Survivor,”, “American Idol”, “Temptation Island,” “Big Brother,” “Cheaters,” “Extreme Makeover” “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” “The Bachelorette” as well as “The Bachelor,” have become so popular and taken hold of the current television viewer.

During the 2003-2004 interval, ten reality shows were categorized among the twenty five influential prime-time series. These were in the audience-masterpiece directory for adults aged between eighteen and forty nine.

The income realized from these shows was approximately seventy five thousand dollars. It is further approximated that over seventy million viewers are captivated by television programs that places an individual in a position that enables him or her to contend in the current dispute while at the same time, being screened.

What is in these shows that keep millions of viewers daily? This question has triggered a lot of answers yet there is no satisfying reason as to why such programs attract such attention.

From “Survivor” to “Average Joe,” it looks like reality television thrives since it is concerned with real-life situations such as contending for a job or award, love, or achieving ones vision of becoming rich.

Most individuals can relate to these issues. Nonetheless, as these programs grow to be more invasive, their clutch on “reality” seems to become tenuous.

It is refreshing and encouraging to see that new faces get some spotlight, rather than the usual stars, mostly from the movie industry. The very aspect of being human that gives confidence to individuals to rumor about their family, friends, and even a foreigner is what constitutes and promotes an audience for such reality television shows. It is more of a car crash on one side of the freeway.

The glimpses into the lives other individuals are regularly shucking, yet impractical to ignore. Based on this theory, television show, “The Real World,” was discovered.

It is frequently known as “the forerunner of reality television shows.” In this show, seven foreigners are chosen to live jointly (Frisby 232). The viewers are presented with the opportunity to watch and discover what happens when strangers with varying backgrounds are made to live together.

Researchers regularly acknowledge, as a minimum, six gratifications of media exploits. These include: information which is also referred to as “knowledge” or surveillance, entertainment, escape, relaxation, passing time, and social viewing or status enhancement.

Even though the brands for these indulgences may be changed, diverse studies substantiate that they are sustainable and targets all circumstances. Based on this, the main question would be on the type of indulgence that viewers obtain from such reality television shows.

The social comparison theory might play a crucial role in explaining and uncovering a very essential motive which a lot of individuals might not be able or are not willing to articulate openly.

Researchers have referred to communal evaluation as “the procedure of contemplating about information with regard to one or more individuals in relation to personality.”

Communal evaluation theory puts forward that people have a need or drive to evaluate their opinions and abilities. In the year nineteen fifty four, Festinger, the individual who came up with the theory and established research in this field, proposed that individuals who were uncertain about their opinions and abilities would evaluate themselves through associations linked to their equals. In fact, people evaluate themselves for a range of reasons.

This may include: to establish a virtual standing on a particular matter or related aptitude; verify norms; emulate behaviors; raise spirits or feel better about life (Frisby 262). In addition, they may want to establish their personal situations as well as evaluate personality, emotions, and self-worth.

Those individuals who were better than others were known as “Upward comparisons”. These individuals who engaged in “upward comparison” would discover from others, be motivated by their illustrations, and become extremely aggravated to attain analogous goals.

Research states that “Upward comparisons” are solicited when an individual is provoked to modify or prevail over difficulties and obstacles (Frisby 262).

Self-development is the key result of a growing evaluation since the targets act as role models. It also motivates and teaches individuals to accomplish or conquer related problems.

On the other hand, a communal evaluation that encompasses a target who is regarded to be substandard, inept, or less providential is referred to as a descending evaluation.

Its fundamental principle is that individuals feel healthier about their own condition and develop their prejudiced well-being when they do comparisons.

Hypothetically, downward comparisons assist individuals to cope with individual predicaments by allowing them to view themselves and their troubles in a more constructive way by acknowledging that there are others with more complex matters.

Reality televisions enable the audience to live vicariously, giggle, and weep via the daily, average individuals who have the chance to experience things, which until the minute they are shown, a lot of individuals only dream of.

Viewers mostly tune into these programs since they posses elements that the audience would admire to experience on their own. In addition, it enables them to express amusement at other’s mistakes or commemorate successes. This makes them feel healthier about themselves since they are not as “bad as the individuals on television.”

Introduction to heartbreaking events or terrible news calls for social comparison among the viewers. It is supposed that reality viewers may be encouraged to evaluate and differentiate their own state of affairs with those stars of the reality shows.

This comparison procedure could ultimately create a sense of self-satisfaction. To better comprehend the reactions made when an individual is exposed to media content, an analysis of the opinions made in the course of watching the reality television was carried out. The investigator coded all the opinions that contained terms of social comparisons which members made on their own volition.

It is an actuality that reality television can enthrall thousand of spectators at any given occasion on a particular day. Research has started to document on how individuals get involved in impulsive and habitual communal evaluations when exposed to particular media pictures, especially those of reality television.

It is also evident that one main impact of being exposed to reality television program is to feel healthier with regard to an individual’s aptitude, life situations as well as gifts.

Reality TV further acts as a much-required diversion from the constant parade of disastrous global events. It enables viewers to have an option of watching others triumph over adversity, escape menace, get a job, learn to endure and even discover feeling of affection.

Whether the plan is adoration, cash, motivated expression, becoming a star, or just an opportunity to be seen on television, the impact on the audiences is similar.

Individuals admire to know that there are other people who are facing similar situations that they may be in. They also do make the same mistakes (Frisby 275). Regardless of the changing desires of the community and the uncertainty of television viewers, the humans’ requirement to evaluate and communicate has guaranteed a market for this venture.

A social evaluation does not call for an individual to provide elaborate, careful, conscious ideas about the assessment, but it means that there ought to be, to some extent, an endeavor to discover or look for resemblance or disparities between the self and other on a few particular aspects.

Quite a number of theorists would argue that for an evaluation to be regarded as a comparison, the individual ought to have knowledge about the assessment and get in touch with with the other person directly.

Nevertheless, social evaluations do not need individual contact or awareness since imaginary characters showed in the media could represent significant standards of evaluation.

Information on social evaluation and media utilization suggests that daily encounters with television programs may provide the viewers with information that persuades them to participate in a customary and impulsive communal evaluation.

This eventually impacts on mood and other features of prejudiced well-being. Individuals may not be in a position to deliberately articulate the evaluation process or willfully register its impact on issues such as self-development and self-improvement.

Frisby, Cynthia. Getting real with Reality TV . New York, NY: Mc-Graw Hill, 2010.

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The Impact of Reality Television on Society: a Critical Analysis

This essay about the impact of reality television on society explores how the genre shapes cultural perceptions, influences political discourse, and affects individuals’ mental well-being. It examines how reality TV can perpetuate unrealistic standards, manipulate narratives, and blur the lines between entertainment and exploitation. Despite its drawbacks, the essay acknowledges the potential for reality television to spark important conversations and inspire social change, particularly through documentaries and inclusive programming. It emphasizes the need for critical inquiry when consuming reality TV, highlighting its power to both reflect and shape societal values, political ideologies, and individual psyches.

How it works

Reality television has etched itself into the very fabric of contemporary society, weaving a tapestry of unscripted drama, larger-than-life personas, and a voyeuristic allure that captures audiences worldwide. Yet, beneath the glitz and glamour lies a nuanced landscape of influence that molds perceptions, shapes behaviors, and redefines societal norms. In this exclusive examination, we unravel the intricate impact of reality television on the collective psyche.

A defining facet of reality TV is its ability to sculpt cultural perceptions and societal standards.

Shows such as “The Real Housewives” or “Love Island” often exalt materialism, superficiality, and sensationalism, presenting an exaggerated portrayal of reality that viewers may idealize. This glorification of excess can breed unrealistic expectations of wealth, beauty, and interpersonal relationships, fostering a culture fixated on image and instant gratification.

Moreover, reality television serves as a potent catalyst for shaping public discourse and political ideologies. Programs like “The Apprentice” or “Big Brother” often mirror real-world power dynamics and social stratifications, providing a platform for discussing leadership, competition, and social hierarchies. However, the editorial process can distort narratives, perpetuating stereotypes or reinforcing biases. This manipulation of reality blurs the lines between fact and fiction, influencing viewers’ perceptions of societal issues and political figures.

Furthermore, reality TV’s impact extends to individuals’ mental well-being and self-esteem. Contestants are thrust into the spotlight, subjected to relentless scrutiny, and often criticized for their actions, appearances, or personal lives. This relentless exposure can take a toll on their mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, or even identity crises. Similarly, viewers are inundated with images of curated perfection, leading to feelings of inadequacy, comparison, and self-doubt, particularly among impressionable audiences.

On a broader scale, reality television perpetuates voyeuristic tendencies and desensitizes viewers to exploitation and sensationalism. Shows like “The Bachelor” or “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” thrive on conflict, controversy, and spectacle, often at the expense of participants’ dignity and privacy. This normalization of voyeurism and sensationalism can desensitize viewers to real-world issues, blurring the boundaries between entertainment and exploitation.

Despite its pitfalls, reality television has the potential to provoke meaningful conversations and incite social change. Documentaries and reality series focusing on topics like poverty, addiction, or environmental activism can raise awareness, challenge stereotypes, and inspire action. Platforms like “Queer Eye” or “RuPaul’s Drag Race” celebrate diversity, empathy, and authenticity, promoting inclusivity and acceptance in a polarized world.

In conclusion, reality television wields a profound influence on society, shaping cultural values, political ideologies, and individual psyches. While it can perpetuate harmful stereotypes, exploit participants, and foster voyeurism, it also has the power to educate, inspire, and unite audiences across the globe. As discerning viewers, it is imperative to approach reality TV with critical inquiry, scrutinizing its motives, representations, and societal implications. Ultimately, the impact of reality television on society reflects the intricate interplay between entertainment, influence, and the human condition, illuminating both the complexities and contradictions of our shared reality.

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Sport and Competition

How reality shows affect our lives and society, what are the negative and positive effects of reality tv.

Posted April 12, 2022 | Reviewed by Abigail Fagan

• People are often drawn to reality TV because they enjoy the drama and relate to difficult decision-making.
• The theme of self-interest vs. self-sacrifice runs through many reality shows.
• Reality shows often lead people to reflect on what they might do in a similar situation, which can be a good exercise in values exploration.

Millions of people around the world tune in to reality shows and have been watching for decades. What started out as an experiment has turned into mainstream programming and as a culture, we can’t get enough of it.

Is there any personal or societal cost to our ongoing fascination with reality shows? While opinions certainly differ on the topic, it comes down to a few factors:

• The malleability of your values
• Your commitment to behaving in ways that reflect your values

Television and all other forms of media have an impact on our thoughts, opinions, and behaviors. There is no doubt that what we take in for entertainment and information influences the way we think about the world around us. Our minds are designed to synthesize boatloads of information every day, from our interactions with others to the books we read and the entertainment we seek out. We make sense of the world through these pieces of information we gather, and this impacts how we live our lives every day.

Beyond the daily information we absorb, we are also influenced by our prior life experiences, our family of origin, the environment we are raised in and a slew of other cultural and genetic factors. These interpersonal and direct influences are more likely to impact our values and behaviors than reality shows. Does this mean that we should be unconcerned about the ways in which reality show trends impact us? No, we definitely need to pay attention to the underlying messages in these shows and explore why they appeal to us so much.

Why Do Reality Shows Reel Us In?

Reality shows keep us coming back, week after week. We want to know who said what to whom, which person betrayed another or who compromised their alliances or made a shady decision that influenced other people. It’s all about the best and worst of human behavior; it is an observational psychology class without the lecture or exams.

Often reality shows cause us to reflect on what we might do in a similar situation, which can be a good exercise in values exploration. The basic question of self-interest versus self-sacrifice is a theme that runs through most reality shows. These themes of good and bad behaviors, betrayal, competition , and connection are familiar to us; we make similar decisions every day, minus the cameras, artificial scenarios, and publicity. It calls to us because on a very basic level, we love human drama, and we relate to tough decisions. Whether it is a competition for love, money, fame, or notoriety, we enjoy watching the struggle. When we root for our favorite reality show participant, we are identifying something compelling within them, and this may say a lot about us if we choose to explore it. As we indulge in our favorite reality shows, we can ask ourselves:

• What do I enjoy about this show and what emotions does it elicit?
• What appeals to me about these characters and their role in the show?
• Would I make different choices than these characters? If so, why?
• What values do I embrace in my life that are either abided by or abandoned in this show?

Reality shows are ironically named because they are often far from realistic scenarios. Even though these programs are guilty pleasures for so many, we can use them as good conversation starters with friends and as food for thought within our own minds as we consider our values and how to live in ways that demonstrate those values.

Teyhou Smyth, Ph.D., LMFT , teaches psychology at the Graduate School of Education and Psychology at Pepperdine University.

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