Drawbacks of Reality Television Shows

Reality Television
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Reality Television
I. Introduction
It is almost impossible to find an individual living in contemporary society that has not heard about reality television shows. Reality television shows have gained popularity among audiences of all age groups, becoming one of the most viewed niches in modern television. Reality shows are famous for their enticing and addictive content. This would be okay if viewers of reality shows consisted only of adults. Adults have shaped outlooks; hence, they can differentiate between reality and fiction, and they perceive reality shows as forms of entertainment. However, a significant fraction of viewers consists of children and teenagers. In this case, reality television shows prove to be harmful because the idea behind them is obscene, and reality shows aimed at teenagers promote violence and aggression. Further, a large number of reality shows promote promiscuity and can have psychological effects on children.
II. Discussion
The idea behind reality television shows is obscene. A group of ordinary individuals allow film crews, producers, and directors into their homes, and permits them to broadcast what has been recorded on television for audiences to view. To make reality shows more interesting, producers and directors make it possible for the audience to vote. For instance, in some reality shows, the audience has the power to vote out contestants via text or online polls. Viewers hardly consider that the individuals they see on television are actors and actresses, that the shows are scripted, and that the shows are a string of edited content manipulated to reflect the expectations and desires of the audience (Baker, 1). When it comes to teenagers, they tend to view the relationship models, as well as the behavioral patterns depicted in reality shows as ideal. Precisely, reality television shows are steeped with scenes of violence and aggression. Such scenes keep viewers on the edge of their seats because they are eager to know the outcome of those instigated bouts. Young viewers perceive such violent scenes as a normal way to handle situations and adopt violent acts as a way of life.
Reality television shows created for young female viewers can promote bullying and condescendence as “normal” female behavior (Peek, 2). Reality television shows created for male audiences can also have the same effect. These reality shows encourage the use of violence and aggression as a means of alleviating relationship issues or personal conflicts. Resentment, conspiracies, downgrading, gossips, and emotional, physical, and verbal abuse are often feigned when it comes to reality shows. These characters are created to thrill and entice viewers. However, teenagers might perceive them as real and adopt these behaviors in their lives. Considering the amount of time teenagers spent in front of television screens, the likelihood of accepting that bullying is a standard way ...