Reality TV is the television show that shows people doing simple, but sometimes dangerous, things. These shows are meant to entertain. They’re supposed to be free-flowing, but does that keep viewers’ attention? Are they appropriate for viewing? Reality TV gives us a bad view of reality. These shows are watched daily by millions.
This essay will describe how Reality Television offers a false life and false hope. The first thing to do is not air Teen Pregnancy TV shows on television. “Heavy viewers” of teen mother reality programs are more likely to believe that teenager moms have much more time than they do. (Martins, Jensen, 2014, p. Teen pregnancy shows give a false impression of life. Actors in these shows get paid for appearances, proper healthcare, and they have their families to help them, provide a home, or babysitting. They can also finish high school and get a job. These benefits are not all available to every pregnant teenager. Teenagers see these televised moms in magazines and on the internet. They glorify the entire situation. Are these really the realities of a young girl pregnant? These teenagers have been made celebrities by teen pregnancy TV. “While it would not be appropriate to suggest Reality TV: They Give Us a False Perception of Life is responsible for teen pregnancy, one might consider this a contributing factor.” Martins, 2014. p. These reality TV programs can also have a negative affect on teens’ body image. The majority of reality TV shows feature women or men who are obsessed with sex and beauty. Modeling shows feature women competing to be the most beautiful or the hottest. Botched and The swan are tv series that feature people changing their appearances. Many viewers are familiar with shows such as The Kardashians where they alter their appearances. You can get hurt by their waist trainers. While filming, they may have to undergo cosmetic procedures. Many women see the Kardashians as their role models. They make a lot of money and are idolized by them. “72% of reality-TV viewers spend a lot of their time on their appearances, compared to 42% who don’t.” (Bush and Sapire, 2017). It is a way to be accepted and fit in. This is why the younger generation watches these reality television shows. They learn that bullying people is commonplace. This is how they learn to accept bullying, harassment and all the drama that comes with it. They learn to respect people as they get older. These shows aren’t for children. Television is full of swearing and there isn’t much else. Drama is a big business, so directors often edit and add the worst to grab viewers’ attention. These children are taught that it is okay to be disrespectful of people. As with Toddlers & Tiaras, children throw tantrums. Because they love the competition and the money Reality TV gives them, the children are raised like brats. These shows show children how they should act. It is obvious to them that everyone is either fighting or backstabbing. These shows encourage bullying. Reality TV is not only a source of negativity for viewers, but it also shows people drinking excessively and being reckless. “The teens idolized the party-oriented lifestyle seen in gossip magazines, reality TV and other media, and then they robbed celebrities’ houses to finance this lifestyle.” (Peek. 2014, P. These shows are what young viewers view and assume that is reality. The Girl Scout Research Institute recently found that teens are not only accepting but expecting a lot of drama and aggression in their lives. (Cohen, 2012, P.14). “Reality TV promotes and hides the worst qualities and values in people. (Taylor, 2011, P.1). It is all about what sells. Values are irrelevant to people. This is how television producers and networks make their money. These reality television shows can be addictive. This entertainment is addictive. These shows are so popular that viewers make plans for their future. People love watching other people test their limits. They sometimes engage in inhumane acts of competition and are often uncivilized. They are preoccupied. To catch the latest episode of Survivor, or America’s top Model, they must be home at a specific time. “Most teenagers spend around 23 hours per week watching television. This can have serious consequences for your academic, relationship, and physical health. You can’t be connected to your family or friends if you are watching TV. You are increasing your chance of becoming a couch potato by watching too much television. In addition, watching more than two hours of TV daily can lead to a drop in academic achievement, especially in reading. P.16). Reality TV has a negative impact on society. These shows are viewed by many people. Some believe they’re all true, while others know that it’s false. These shows are often unrealistic and altered. These shows keep us hooked and keep coming back. As viewers, we see the world through other’s eyes. We can see what other people do that we would not do. Sometimes they force people to do things that are not right or that they wouldn’t normally do in real-life. They have a negative impact on all ages. It’s all about show and it’s what’s most popular.
