Gone are the days when the moment we turned on the TV, there were shows about gods and goodness in the world.
Today, television is highly influenced by reality shows.
Every channel you turn to, there’s either someone showing off their talent, doing daring stunts, fighting, or simply living their life.
And this phenomenon has spread all over the world.
In fact, we’re more familiar with people on TV than we are of people around us.
The ultimate goal of reality TV programs is to provide entertainment to its viewers. And also fame to the people involved and lots of money to the producers and makers.
However, as entertaining as reality shows could be, they bring a lot of impact on our lives. Sometimes in a good way but many-a-times in a negative way.
Here, we’ll discuss how reality TV affects us, both positively and negatively.
Negative Impact of Reality TV Shows.
Reality shows can be very negative, especially for children and teenagers.
As you know media plays a huge role in how we think and perceive things. Hence, exposing children to reality shows can alter the way they view the actual reality.
Unrealistic Expectation.
Reality TV has a tendency to give us false and unrealistic expectations.
Watching the Kardashian sisters vacationing around the world, wearing expensive designer outfits, and earning millions (a billion for Kylie) sure aches our hearts.
We see these people living a flashy and spoiled life. Going to parties, having brunch, and not doing any form of job.
It honestly is the lowest form of entertainment, yet, people watch it like it’s their own life of the line.
They make celebrities out of ordinary people, giving them instant fame. But what lies after fame is something dark and disturbing.
Today, kids and teenagers are listing their ambitions as being famous or reality stars.
They believe that it’s easy money, which in a way, is true.
But the idea of achieving instant fame is also becoming a real problem in today’s society.
It’s not just the earning, but reality show also alters standards of other things like beauty and education.
Most of these reality stars haven’t even completed high school. So, if the reality shows were to be banned from this day forward, it’ll be very hard for them to survive.
But this is exactly what they hide from the viewers. Instead, they glorify this aspect and compel you to believe that education has no relation to gaining fame and popularity.
Promotes Negativity.
Reality TV shows are entertaining. Maybe for the fact they’re filled with lots of drama. Today, people honestly do live for drama.
And what more do you need when it’s readily available on your screens?
Keeping the entertainment aside, what reality shows actually promote is negativity.
From abusive language use to fights, gossips, and unacceptable behavior. Reality shows have somehow normalized all these negativity.
They show an unrealistic way of how people deal with their problems. Some are seen abusing each other verbally. While some settle it with beating the crap out of each other.
And most reality shows do not become a reality show if there isn’t an unwanted rivalry amongst the contestants.
We can see how people jump on to each other at the slightest inconvenience.
This teaches the viewers, especially the young ones that violence can be a way to resolve altercations.
They make violence seem like normal and acceptable behavior.
Waste of Time.
If you don’t know by now that reality shows are not in fact real, you must be living in a world of your own.
While they claim to be absolutely real most of these shows are just a distorted version of reality.
Seriously, who screams at someone else’s face just because they looked at you funny?
Be that as it may, my point is that reality shows are a complete waste of time. Especially the ones showing off the lavish life of celebrities.
Because, at the end of the day, they teach you absolutely nothing. Instead, they lure you with drama and cliff hangers.
This is a clear sign that most of these shows are scripted or half-scripted.
Positive Impact of Reality TV.
While there are a lot of negative aspects of reality shows, we can’t ignore the good ones as well.
For starters, there is no doubt that reality shows can be entertaining. It helps us pass our time easily and also keep us hooked.
Sometimes reality shows can be highly educational as well.
Shows like “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” and “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader” actually increases out general knowledge.
Reality shows can be helpful to people participating by recognizing their talents and giving them enough exposure to change their life.
They can also help raise awareness on different social issues.
Shows like “Teen-Moms” and “16 and Pregnant” have actually been impacting in lowering the pregnancy rates in America.
Shows like “RuPaul Drag Race” has given so much confidence and exposure to the LGBT community out in the open.
Thus, almost everything reality shows also have pros and cons.
And as a viewer, it’s always up to you to watch what you prefer and filter what you don’t.
