Reality TV: Rewarding Bad Behaviour

“When it is staged in a rather naughty and entertaining way, reality is exciting.”Reality televison is among the most popular genre of television programming since 1980. It is a form of television programming, which supposedly documents unscripted real situations in the life of most commonly an unfamiliar cast of individuals. This form of television programming is supposed to be seen as reality in the eyes of viewers, though it is not as much reality as it is staged entertainment. In most cases reality shows include a host, a cast and some form of competition such as a quiz, though playing a prank on a friend, a home video, an audition or perhaps filming and performing a dangerous stunt is also considered under this concept.

Reality television has through only the last 30 years evolved and had a great and even growing impact on society. It sends society the message that in order to become succesful, fameous and wealthy, you have to compromise your manners and your morals rather than work hard. The extenct that the impact has grown to is dangerously large and negative. The characters that are seen on these reality shows have and will become idolized by the younger generations, who will reflect on their actions and behaviour. The characters often and almost always rely on compromising their morals and performing some sort of scandalous happening which should catapult them into fame. The focus is set on the worst values and qualities of the participators and it is often very noticable that they are rather unintellegent compared to other, notably the more intellegent participants often drop out or do not make it in reality. The production of reality has reflected on what the viewers want instead of what actually should be developing and inspiring the knowledge and minds of younger generations. The producers create a form of competition regarding views and ratings, where their main goal is to be the best and the richest. Just like in every other television program, there is required to happen something in order to keep the viewers interested and the participants are not the ones who exploit and embarrass themselves, it is the show itself that has been created to put them in a vulnerable position where they are forced to make an immoral decision often leaving another participant behind, though this is not visible for viewers.“We don’t have as many heroes any more. They have been overwhelmed by the onslaught of train wrecks we allow into our brains.”