Reality Shows and Their Attempt at a False Reality

Are Reality Shows Even Real?

Everyday, on most networks, a person can find some form of a reality show that fits their likings, from music, to dance, to just a bunch of strangers sharing a house. Ever wonder why a television show based on what is to be actual reality is so intriguing? The truth is reality shows are a false representation of true reality all together. Reality shows are a bias judgment of people and their real lives. Reality shows on television have a tendency to manufacture drama, compromise ethic beliefs, and are altered to portray what the producers believe the viewers want to see.

Drama is generated in reality shows on television to add more entertainment for the viewers. For instance, a participant may be influenced to start a verbal altercation over something very minor with another participant or the judge. It may not be the true of the participant, but is needed to keep the illusion of true drama flowing. Another example is a contestant loses and instead of being grateful for the opportunity and walking calmly off the stage the contestant starts kicking things and yelling profanities. Unfortunately, these producers feel if the drama is not there neither will the viewers, so they manufacture the drama.

Reality shows reward bad behavior forcing people to believe it is acceptable behavior. For instance, on the reality show Biggest Loser, the viewers are under the notion these contestants are on the show trying to lose weight and become a healthy person. In reality though they are rewarded by who loses the most body fat, not who is the healthiest. Therefore, the viewers are left questioning do they get healthy or just lose the weight like the contestants winning the money and fame. In other reality shows, such as Survivor and Dance Moms, the contestants lie and cheat to get the end results needed. For example, on Survivor, they will form alliances and trick other contestants just to get them out of the show. Reality shows are telling the viewers it is okay to compromise what is right if it gets you ahead in the game.

Although a very small portion of a reality show is unedited, the majority is altered to the likings of the producers to keep viewers drawn in. Many hours of filming have to be edited to fit a one hour slot, therefore, leaving out much of the truth.