The effect reality television has on today's society

In today’s society, reality television has become one of the most watched programs on a regular basis. When some people here the phrase, “reality television”, they automatically associated that with the idea of whatever they are seeing is 100% real and they are getting a firsthand view. This is a misconception that so many people have that causes a problem in what is perceived as real in today’s society. Reality television mainly consists of various programs which significance is to showcase people appearing as themselves in a variety of different situations on a day to day basis.

Many reality shows revolve around some sort of competition (such as survivor and America’s next top model), while others feature celebrity figures in their everyday lives (such as Basketball wives, Real housewives and keeping up with the Kardashians). There are also shows that centers on small groups of unknown individuals or average everyday people, and examine their interactions with one another (such as Jersey Shore and Real world). In addition, you'll find shows that focus on teen pregnancy and the lives of teen moms (such as Teen Mom and 16 and pregnant).

Whatever forms that they takes, reality shows seek to create entertainment for the public from the uncertainty of unscripted moments and events. They also look to present shocking, awkward or otherwise provocative situations which is a consistent characteristic of most reality programming. Many of these shows are edited to create a specific theme or outcome, making them less reality. The attention of the reality shows tends to swing towards violent behavior or display various negative behaviors that we would not expect to see and portray it as “normal”.

For many people, reality television is con...

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...are watching is reality television, I believe that this allows a great amount of influence to be placed on the individuals that are watching. Although we can prevent reality television from having a negative effect on society, we tend not to because of our own hidden agenda. This is our new form of entertainment. Even though we complain about it and criticize reality television, we still continue to watch it and give these networks the rating to continue making shows.

There is no question that reality television places a role in today’s society. There is no question that the networks that create the reality shows know the negative effects that their shows have on individuals that watch them. The question that I believe has to be asked now is as I society do we really care or do we just want something to take the blame for the actions of many with today’s society.