Society today relies heavily on television for their daily lives; whether it is for the local news or for the entertainment value of reality television. However, with television being more accessible today than ever, teenagers are watching it completely unregimented. With teenagers being extremely influential human beings, they are more likely to replicate the celebrities they see on reality television due to the influence that these celebrities have over a normal person. Many researchers have proven that the choices of reality television stars are often imitated by teenagers because they may feel compelled to follow the reality stars they see on television due to the desire to be popular, for guidance in making the transition from high school …show more content…
Dodrill. In the academic article, Dodrill’s mentions a study with two hypotheses; one of the hypotheses is identifying the types of youth that watch reality television. The other hypotheses is to determine the factors and relationship to reality television. The study surveyed pre-teenagers and teenagers about what reality television shows they watched and they tried to relate the survey results to the teenagers academic achievements, values, physical attractiveness, and popularity. The conclusion of the study showed a positive correlation for teenagers valuing popularity and physical attractiveness to watching reality television. Overall, the study mentioned by Dodrill proves that reality television is helping promote popularity and physical …show more content…
Dodrill. Singh’s article is a thought-provoking article questioning the relationship between television and media’s influence on teenagers. Whereas, Dodrill’s study and academic article are showing the positive correlation being physical attractiveness and popularity values in relation to reality television. Reality television is not doing any favors to the developing teenager because of their influence over social media and their dramatic nature of the shows. Overall, if reality television were used as a tool to be more relatable and less for entertainment value, teenagers may develop a more valued
When asking yourself which media outlet continues to offer the most influential presence on our culture the answer is obvious. Television serves as the leading unifying media instrument in our society. Television has always reflected cultural changes and the increasing popularity of certain networks is due to reality television. This genre of television creates the concept of the “instant celebrity”. One example of a reality show that literally promises its participants fame and fortune is Project Runway.
Reality based television has a broad landscape ranging from competitive game-like shows to programs following the daily lives of a group of people. Every major network now has some form of reality programming because the genre’s shows are high in viewership and require low costs for production. The genre is appealing to viewers because it provides them with a first-hand look into the lives of everyday people, which allows them to observe social behavior that helps them determine what is appropriate or not (Tyree, 2011, p. 397). Since the majority of modern reality stars start out as unknowns, frequent viewers of reality programming believed that fame is obtainable if they appear on a popular show (Mendible, 2004). According to Mendible’s evaluation of the genre in the article Humiliation, Subjectivity, and Reality TV, people enjoy reality programs beca...
Our author discusses all the aspects of reality TV; from the way it captivates the viewers to the way it gratifies them. The author also appeals argument to the correct audience, which is also helps retaining the particular viewers. The author uses an aggressive tone to appeal to the audience. The author does not use sophisticated language, so the reader could not follow. She had written this article so well that the readers would not feel lost at any point. This also helps audience to retain their interest in this article. In this article, the author shows some interesting statistics that supports her argument and also helps individuals to believe and keep them interested. The author states, “78.2% reported being regular viewers of reality television programs”(p.275). The author also shows that the statistics was taken from 110 people who were asked to complete a uses and gratification survey on reality television (p.275). The results of the statistic shows that about half of the people interviewed watch TV on a regular basis. If these statistics were taken on a larger scale, it would show similar results and it would prove that people are regular viewers of reality television. When you show statistics, which supports an argument, it becomes very interesting for the audience to believe and continue having audience’s attention. The statistics clearly proves author’s
American actress, Lisa Bonet, once said, “What saddens me is the corruption of youth and beauty, and the loss of soul, which is only replaced by money.” Today’s television shows are decaying into more polluted and inappropriate ideas, which are then presented worldwide. This is a negative influence on not only young people, but also society as a whole. How can it be expected of youth today to be appropriate role models to future generations with such corrupt influences? With the filth, dishonesty, and abuse of freedom of speech, reality television ultimately does more harm on today’s society than good.
The first effect of reality shows is the image it gives viewers. Reality shows give misconceptions of everyday life; the Real World and Jersey Shore show young adults relaxing, having a good time, and partying every day. The...
As the fictitious character of Katniss Everdeen captured the 21st century audience, so does the viewer of American reality television. Taken into account the influences of American reality shows, there’s just so much a parent can monitor children’s TV viewing. It’s a given fact that the young mimics the adults and as such, if these reality icons influence a supposedly mature adult, how much more of youngsters? In as much as I want to argue that it all depends on one’s moral standards, it seems to be apparent that the influence of today’s American reality TV may be perceived as psychologically destructive. Hence, may one day contradict a supposedly civilized society governed by standards of right and
Reality based television has a broad landscape ranging from competitive game-like shows to programs following the daily lives of a group of people. Every major network now has some form of reality programming because these programs are high in viewership and require low costs for production. The genre’s shows provide audiences with a first-hand look into the lives of everyday people, which creates resonance among viewers because they feel like they can relate to the characters on screen (Hasinoff, 2008). Since the majority of modern reality stars start out as unknowns, frequent viewers of reality television have essentially bought into the belief that they too can achieve overnight fame by appearing on a popular show (Mendible, 2004). According to Mendible’s evaluation i...
Since young women are being surrounded and exposed to different types of media, it also influences the identity of young women by reinforcing negative stereotypes. In Chapter 3: “Bitches and Morons and Skanks, Oh My!” of Reality Bites Back, Pozner reveals how popular reality television shows have a strong impact on today’s society by shaping the way women view things and define themselves. She also states how dating shows, like The Bachelor and Flavor of Love, often describe women as “catty, bitchy, manipulative, not to be trusted, and cannot live without a man” (pg. 97). The problem with these dating shows is that it tells young women that they need to become the most seductive and beautiful to win the guy’s heart. This also convinces the young women, who watch the show believe that they have to be manipulative and untrustworthy in order to obtain whatever they want. Because young women have been subject to these stereotypes, they also begin to make generalization and change their perceptions about other people, especially to women. Another example is the reality TV series, Keeping ...
In today 's society, television is one of the greatest entertainment, and currently reality televisions have become the most commonly watched television programs. Reality tv, beside being entertaining , it has effected society in a negative
Kids are very impressionable human beings, they see one thing and they begin to imitate this thing. Reality TV enables kids to think for themselves. Going back to the show Maury, it is mostly African American teenagers seen yelling and screaming at the top of their lungs making a spectacle of themselves. Teenagers watch reality television more than anything else. One statistic states, “On average, a teen will watch 28 hours of television per week, adding up to almost 15,000 hours a year” (reportherald.com). Shows such as Love & Hip Hop, exposes teens to
He holds a master’s degree in American history from Western Connecticut State University. In this article Perritano argues that reality television is good and bad in many ways. Perritano goes on to say that reality television is bad because it is so overwhelming for the audience and the contestants because they are all hoping for instant fame. Perritano does not believe that reality television is completely bad for us and actually has its upsides. He believes that reality television can be useful for viewers and can raise awareness to certain cases that are shown on
Since the very first reality show launching in 1990, the reality genre has rapidly developed to become the most popular experience of television nowadays. A plethora of research has been undertaking in recent years to identify the origin of reality shows’ appeal which concentrated mainly on the psychological side such as the theory of human motivations called ‘16 basic desires’ which linking the most fundamental purposes of human life to aspirations with their attention to media conducted by Reiss and Wiltz (2004) or the element of mastery sense named ‘schadenfreude’ introduced by Hall (2006).
When people think of entertainment, media influence often comes to mind. Reality TV stars and celebrities alike have been placed in limelight acting as role models to not only the youth, but society as a whole. This is an example of the negative influences that entertainment can have as it leads people to hold unrealistic standards and expectations for themselves and others. Some may feel that the entertainment industry makes glamourizes immoral behaviors, making them look fun and harmless. The focus on fitting in and on appearance in the entertainment business have heavily impacted the way our society is today, by promoting the need to be a certain way, both in physical physique and behavior. In fact, people who are considered more attractive, or that fit the molds commonly shown to us, have an easier time obtaining jobs and have access to a broader s...
Reality television has changed the world today by encouraging violent behavior, elevate imprudent personalities, and depict woman of their values. Many reality TV shows are driving young kids to be driven by money and fame. Our reality television make us seem ignorant to other countries. Young viewers of these reality TV shows do not realize that most of the shows are often scripted and are not “real”. Although the programming of reality TV can be highly entertaining, it is important to be aware of the messages, and values that these shows often portray. Since reality TV has such a strong foothold in American pop culture, it is likely not going anywhere or changing its content any time
Have you ever wondered why people are so addicted to watching their favorite shows on TV? Have you ever wondered why reality TV is so popular? This paper is an explanation of why large numbers of people watch reality TV shows. Proof and facts will be provided showing that reality TV provides entertainment, inspiration, the stirring of emotions, vicarious living, and a substitute for social life for many who watch. Here are a few examples of these statements.