The Growing Obsession With Reality Television
Millions of people watch reality television shows every week.
It's clear that the popularity surrounding reality television has contributed to re-shaping the landscape of television in general. There are thousands of reality television shows out there now for consumers to watch.
You can watch reality television programs to follow the lives of tattoo artists, border guards, housewives, singers, tornado chasers, chefs, babies, waitresses, bartenders, barbers, fisherman, farmers, hoarders, maids, and more.
There are many reasons that have been suggested for why millions of people are fascinated with these shows on a weekly basis; tuning-in religiously to see a seemingly behind the scenes viewpoint of the lives of someone they are interested in.
Some driving factors which have been suggested are things like empathy, compassion, and voyeurism. Surveys have also found that for those who do spend time watching these shows, that they tend to see themselves as more extroverted, often more neurotic, and some even report that they tune into the show in order to feel better about their own lives.
Not Everyone Is A Fan...
There are various reports that have found that wealthy and successful people spend a lot less of their time watching reality television, or any television for that matter, compared to others. It's been suggested that they prefer to spend their time on activities like networking, meditating, reading, and other productive tasks.
Aside from providing entertainment, these reality television shows have provided tens of thousands of jobs. And seeing as this is one of the most cost-effective forms of entertainment, meaning that production companies are likely going to get a big return on their investment, it's no wonder that we've seen the reality space explode.
Where you used to have script writers and high paid actors and actresses, you now have reality stars that cost much less and you don't need scripts any longer; at least that's what they want you to believe is the case for most reality programs.
For all of the television programs that are out there today, it's estimated that reality television makes up at least 50 percent of the landscape.
The reality television genre is also suggested to be the most popular with those who are between the ages of 25-34 and not much of a surprise that they are seen to be more popular with women than with men.
Some of the most popular franchises have been Big Brother, Survivor, Shark Tank, American Idol, and The Amazing Race.
Will we ever get sick of it?
People have been complaining about the existence of reality shows for many years now, yet they are still more popular than ever.
Maybe the reason many are drawn to watching the shows is for the same reason many feel drawn to look at a car accident, it's just hard to look away.
Not every reality television show is going to be as mind-numbing as the Kardashians might be for many, no doubt there are countless reality television shows that can provide not only something that's entertaining, but can also provide some new and valuable information to the consumer. It just depends on what you're interested in and what you find value from.
Pics:
Shutterstock via TheConversation.com/the-guilty-pleasure-of-watching-trashy-tv-40214
The Simpsons / FOX/ via Reddit.com/r/gifs/comments/19nacq/reality_tv_shows_in_the_simpsons/
Wolf on Wall St via equipboard.com/pros/leonardo_dicaprio/versace-men-s-leisure-trousers-light-gray
RailRaiders via railriders.com/interview-mike-sears-interview-a-16.html
Giphy
Sources:
http://www.businessinsider.com/rich-people-daily-habits-2014-6
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/249269
http://www.businessinsider.com/why-love-reality-tv-psychology-2016-11
http://www.onepoll.com/the-reality-tv-habit/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2015/05/27/why-do-we-watch-trashy-tv/?utm_term=.ec9374935439
http://www.today.com/news/reality-check-reality-tv-fans-youre-more-neurotic-1C7320186
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/why-do-we-tune-in-to-reality-tv/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/entertainment/reality-tv-shows/
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https://steemit.com/market/@doitvoluntarily/3d-televisions-being-phased-out-of-market
Though called reality TV, the truth being said, it surely isn't reality for all!
When it came to underlining the main reasons why humans survived to this day instead of taking the way of the dodos, the children at school thought that Survivor was the real thing!?! It was a bit of a shocker for most of them to realize that it was far from reality!
Thanks for another good piece, Namaste :)
wait... so it isn't real? 😆
👍 👍
But there is not much reality in these reality shows.
yup that's what they say lol
Reality TV is not real at all, I can't say it's 100% scripted but at least the main arc and confrontations are. Basically a "here's what's supposed to happen, go make something out of this plot". There are far too many. And a real big "What's the point?" about watching that? Too many people arguing about nonsense is not entertainment at all.
Here's a clip of Adam Ruins Everything about reality tv. You should watch the whole episode, but this clip is good for starters:
👍 arguing about nonsense lol! 😆
Most people love to watch other people experience things. Vicariously. Spectators. They get to experience the thrills and chills with no effort or risk to themselves. Reality TV is cashing on this. That's reality of it. :-)
I haven't had a TV for 10 years and would never go back to having one. I'm not rich or wealthy yet though haha. Good post!
got rid of the TV as well, I do any of my watching on phone or laptop :) much more convenience
i think it was enough
Meditating? Maybe the successful rather than rich. I sure some of them do but some of the rich and not so successful should really try it.
Great post. I used to watch a lot of reality shows, now I can not remember why :).
I for one, usually enjoy reality tv. Even back in the days I enjoyed MTV's True Life, back when (and correct me if I'm wrong) it was still actual 'reality' instead of the countless of scripted series on television...
hadn't heard of that one either lol
You hadnt? Wow...those were great! You know last year there was a new show on Dutch tv: 100 people were entering a house that fits only 4. It was almost empty and supplies lasted 4 people. So everything had to be shared...or bought, from the groups budget. The budget was a 100.000 bucks. The plan was to live there for 3 months with as many people as possible but of course, the object of the show was to bully each other out until there would only be one left who would win what was remaining of the budget. In the end the winner got about 31.000 cause the food and amenities they could buy, werent cheap. Anyway there was a lot about it and it was great fun with daily reports. Name of the show was: Get the f*ck out of my house!
haha was that really the name of it ? lol!
It was! Couldnt have asked for a better fitting title ;)