Stay Tuned: Reality Television Domination

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Recommended: Effects of reality TV on society

Whether it is through internet usage, newspaper articles, or everyday communication, society has been exposed to reality television shows. With television stations clamoring for higher ratings, promotional techniques stretch wide and far. Advertisements plaster public buildings, radio stations fill airwaves with popular cast interviews, and even local news channels make it a point to mention particularly sensational occurrences. The seemingly endless variety of topics in which reality shows are based provides appeal to a previously unprecedented audience. This multitude of reality television shows, including talent competitions, survival game shows, and shows on the daily life of others, ultimately affects the way people think, act, and generally live their own lives.

Talent competitions tend to bring out the higher spirits in people and often motivate them to try to be their best. The impact of talent competitions on viewers is typically seen year round, but significantly amplifies around the beginning and end of the season. Programs like American Idol, The X Factor, and The Voice are prime examples of popular talent competitions. In an interview discussing the importance of reality television shows, Courtney Clement said that she really enjoys watching shows where people are encouraged to express their talent. The auditions are her favorite, due to the often hilarious antics of hopeful contestants. Finale night always has her on the edge of her seat. She remembers staying up late one nerve wracking night just to find out who would become the next American Idol. Courtney confessed to feeling inspired by those who try out and hopes to build up her own courage to audition for American Idol or another televised singing competitio...

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... them live in different degrees of intensity. Whether someone is influenced to act out of character due to a rising trend, is inspired to chase after something they previously thought unattainable, or even decides to alter the way in which they observe and present themselves to the world around them, there is an effect. It is glaringly obvious that reality shows have taken over most major television networks. Every new year brings about a new reality program, new talents discovered, new names to learn, new celebrities to follow, new trends are set, and even more new plans for new reality shows are made. What with the flood of reality television thundering down upon us, it is frighteningly easy for susceptible viewers to drown in actual reality.

Works-Cited

Clement, Courtney. Personal interview. 18 October 2011.

Gros, Lauren. Personal interview. 18 October 2011.

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