Impacts Of Reality TV On The Contemporary Society

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The Impacts of Reality TV on the Contemporary Society
Introduction
Reality T.V shows are among the latest trends in television programming and mainstream media. Most of the issues aired on reality shows vary from different themes and genres such as love, spirituality and competition. The contents of the reality shows usually entails the aspect of the unscripted format. It entails real people talking about real issues in the society. However, much as reality T.V show producers try to make their show relevant and appealing to their viewers, many criticism and controversy has been arising concerning these shows. Myriads of reality shows from different parts of the world have been characterized by controversy after the show. Some psychologists argue that viewers tend to judge themselves from the content they view on television. There has been continuous argument that reality shows are propagators of voyeurism among other social evils. Reality T.V’s have always been seen in the forefront of bringing significant cultural and personal aspects of life. Despite this fact, the mainstream media has still not given the required attention to the reality television. This essay focuses entirely on the impact of reality television in the contemporary society.
Hallmark for Fame and Talents
Reality shows have been used primarily to enhance fame in the contemporary society. Most of the individuals have used the chances of appearing in the reality shows to get famous. For example, some individuals view reality shows as avenues for being celebrities, showcasing their talents even if they got none (Parham). Most critics also argue that reality shows are an avenue to reinforce stereotypes. For instance, (Parham) describes women view about reality shows. A reality show that perhaps deals with dating presents women as unworthy if some guy does not choose them. This perspective can be considered as a stereotype at the end of the day. Therefore, reality shows is a significant arena for exhibiting talents from various stakeholders.
Promotion of Self-governance
In the exploration of the reality T.V stronghold, Ouellette and Hay’s book is the most essential in tackling and understanding importance of reality programs. The concept of government mentality has clearly been elaborated and they argue as follows. The reality television is one of the avenues that a nation or state can embrace in influencing the behavior of its citizens (Ouellette and Hay). According Ouellette and Hay’s points of view, they argue that the reality T.V is a tool for promoting real citizenship through a significant procedure of self-governance. They argue that it through reality T.V that media consumers get the instructions on how to lead exemplary lifestyles. It is also through reality shows that the prospective users get to learn how to manage their finances and to improve their personal appearances. In the first chapter of their book, it can clearly be evident how reality T.V can impact positively on fans of reality shows. It can clearly be concluded that the charity T.V that airs programs like Extreme Makeover: Home Edition has a significant role in privatizing the issue of social relief (Ouellette and Hay). If critically analyzed, a very crucial role of media is satisfied here. Generally, one of the primary functions of the media, is to educate the public. This role of media in education of the public is therefore justified by the reality T.V according to Ouellette and Hay.
The need of self-governing is another issue that the current society especially neo-liberal which Ouellette and Hay describe as ‘post-welfare states’. A society that is self-reliant depends entirely on cultural technology and Television is one of the essential requirement in such a society. Therefore, the government officials should not overrule against such a society. They should rather minimize their interventions in societal issues and concentrate more on other activities. It is through this realization that Ouellette and Hay put forth in their argument, the need to understand the existence and popularity of reality T.V. So, the role reality T.V play in showing the media consumers the right path, should be appreciated and recognized as far as government regulation is concerned.
Ouellette and Hay have also shown how reality T.V can act as a corrective show towards alcoholism by changing an individual’s behavior. They depict the show intervention as a show that influences the juveniles positively to quit alcoholism and drug abuse. If a reality T.V can have such an impact on society. It will be entirely wrong to demonize it by other stereotypic and obnoxious statements that are demoralizing. For example, it is wrong to dwell on the idea that they promote criminal activities and overlooking the significant influence these shows can have on the youths today. Ouellette and Hay problematize the connection between liberal governance and reality television. They argue that the reality television is in support of a neoliberal view that stresses individual responsibility. Hay and is aide also allege that reality television encourages the opinion of privatization of social services through the cultivation of productive neoliberal citizens. This is done by use of management of individual behavior and conduct or self-governance (Ouellette & Hay).
As much as the government should minimize their intervention on this matter. The producers of reality shows are also encouraged to protect their content since this is their most valuable asset (Bergman). Bergman argues that since the content of the reality shows is the most precious and treasured possession of the producer. They should make an effort of seeking protection of the contents. Well, this concept brings one to another big question of whether reality shows warrants the benefits of copyright. There are no significant clarifications for this questions, in his article Bergman says that producers have been in cheek and jowl with the courts to find a solution to this issue. Although, no plaintiff has succeeded in such a case in court, but it is very vital as much as infringement of a copyright law is concerned (Bergman).
Instrument of Health Awareness
Another significant role played by the reality shows is educating the public on the matter of health (Christenson et al.). The television programs have always been acting sources of information health wise by transmitting information about health care policy. Apart from entertaining its audiences, the reality shows deal with real individuals who portray information that bare essential fact about health. For instance, shows that deal with weight loss, smoking cessation, plastic surgery and so on are in existence. The best example of a reality show that can educate its audience on weight loss is Get Fit Club Weight Loss with Gabi Rose. This show teaches the viewers on how to lose weight in a healthy way (“Get Fit Club Weight Loss with Gabi Rose. Episode 2”). (Christenson et al.) have maintained that these shows also provides an avenue to ordinary citizens to feel that the health problems they face in the everyday life can are not unique but can be resolved. Such a forum is not available in other regular television programs or a scripted drama. Reality television programs achieve this through giving a wide range of real human experience hence giving the audience a sense of validation (Christenson et al.). According to them, the reason the reality T.V has a significant impact on its consumers is because the power of these shows is more authentic and real on some level. They also tend to identify whatever is being showcased to the real-time setting hence rendering reality T.V as the most powerful tool of convincing.
Obesity is one of the escalating menaces in the contemporary society. Research has shown that the number of individuals with obese cases is high globally (Christenson et al.). Therefore, reality shows are the only place where these issue can be addressed. Reality shows where people are exhibited doing the aerobics could also be significant for people to exercise. Such shows discourage the idea of overweight hence reduction in obesity.
Ethics
The reality shows are also viewed as instruments of teaching the youths of moral values and discourage them from gay activities. For instance, some reality shows in Christian television shows such as Sisterhood usually contains some significant teachings that encourages good morals. Such programs are usually against the moral decay such as lesbianism and fornication. These shows also encourages the females on how to lead exemplary lives and become nuns. According to the investigation conducted on such shows, most of the women are usually influenced by such shows. As they watch they transmit the same information to their colleagues hence rapid spread of good morals.
The reality shows can also be used as an instrument for spirituality. For instance, a show involving a real character teaching people of the elements of Christianity, Hinduism and other religious activities. The same shows can also be used discourage the youths from indulging in drug and substance abuse.
Reality TV promotes voyeurism
Voyeurism is the sexual misbehavior that comes as a result of watching sexual acts from other people. Some of the reality TV programs have sexual involvement that they do consciously or unconsciously. For instance, some of the stakeholders involved may literally strip during these shows. As a result, those watching may find themselves affected by these evil acts psychologically. As a matter of fact, these realities show record each emotional and intimate act freely. The actors could even go ahead and confess their sexual involvement to their audiences. When they do so, they encourage some of the views to have the guts of getting involved in similar acts. These actors involve in these embarrassing actions because of the high payment they receive from these shows.
This situation comes to its worst when teenagers copy what they watch. Adolescents are always exploring new things, especially in sexual matters. For this issue, they may try to practice what has been painted in their minds because they find it interesting. For instance, if they watch stars acting obsessed with guys, they will definitely try to copy that. Some may even think that engaging in such acts is what has led to the person being a star. Such incidences significantly contribute to the high rate of moral decay in the society.
Reality TV Promotes Bullying and Lowers Low Self Esteem
Some of the reality TV shows openly condemn the actors even calling them abusive words. A good number of the stars may be seen involved in harmful physical insults. Some of the actors also take roles that are associated with poverty like being house girls. Others act as victims of shameful deeds like rape. For this matter, it becomes difficult for the viewers to view the actors different from the roles they take. Some of the viewers may even despise the actors in real life if for instance they met in a street. The situation may in turn lead to low self-esteem to the players involved hence discouraging people from being involved in the reality shows. However, this should not be the case. The actors should at least try to use the decent language while addressing particular issues. In so doing, it will help the spectators especially the young generation to have role models and mentors in the industry.
Reality Shows Significantly Promote Dangerous Stereotypes
This situation would be a serious problem in the society. Producers and the editing technologies encompass effects that can never occur in real life. For instance, some of the reality shows portray some cultures as crazy, awkward and of course backward. For example, international shows may be presented with the citizens of a particular country eating enormous amounts of foods. Also, some cultures may be performed as those that heavily indulge in drug and alcohol abuse. These presentations may lead to the viewers of a different culture have a mentality that the people from the viewed culture act in the same way. It is actually difficult to erase such sentiments from the viewers. Moreover, some actors from distinct cultures may be portrayed as murders in every reality show. Therefore, if a person happens to visit such a culture, he/she will always be in fear of being killed due to the negative stereotype existing. Most of these shows try to involve false things to make the show interesting. Nevertheless, this should not be the case. Producers should learn to present facts and things that happen in real life to their viewers. Some of the outright lies presented in the shows could even discourage viewers from watching. Consequently, the television stations that host these shows will lose viewership leading to loss.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that indeed the genre of reality T.V has grown tremendously not only in the number but also with the number of audiences. The fact also shows plays a significant role in shaping of the behavior of individuals. Thus, all the stakeholders in the mainstream media should ensure that despite their effort to maximize profits through this genre, they should also consider the content. This idea can be achieved by inclusion of their audience at every step. They should also engage in a two-way communication so as to get the most accurate feedback from the audience. This fact will play an essential task in ensuring that they stay top in the market while maintaining their relevance in the most honorable way. It can be suggested that, since reality shows are the most dominant trend in the television industry, it should be embraced rather than condemning it with some unnecessary propaganda. One should handle the impacts as an individual and not as a group. It is a fact that no matter how harsh psychologist and critics argue, there is no point where reality television will be terminated. Therefore, it would be wiser to accept it instead of stereotyping the matter. Despite the fact that controversial reality shows are also in existence today, one can recommend that in such a setting, there is the need for government to come up with regulations. These regulations entail formulating laws that regulate showcasing of explicit and immoral content that influences one’s behavior negatively. For example, a program that promotes social evils such as rape should be banned with immediate effect. The media is also urged to come out firmly and present the issue of copyright. This action would ensure that their contents are well protected from infringement by “vultures”. If all these are done in using the correct procedure, nobody will cry foul on the issue of the reality show and the viewers can continue enjoy their shows without fear. Parents should also ensure that they control whatever their children are watching on television to minimize the spread of bad morals. A significant communication should be established to ensure that they do not fall out of track.

Work Cited
Bergman, Jessica E. "No More Format Disputes: Are Reality Television Formats Subject for Federal Copyright Protection?" The Journal of Business, Entrepreneurship & the Law 4.2 (2011): n. pag. Web. 22 May. 2015.
Christenson, Peter, et al. "THE "REALITY" OF HEALTH: Reality Television and the Public Health." (2006): Print.
"Get Fit Club Weight Loss Reality Show with Gabi Rose. Episode 2." YouTube. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 May. 2015.
Ouellette, Laurie, and Hay, James. Better Living through Reality TV. Malden: Blackwell Publishing, 2008. Print.
PARHAM, K. "Is Reality T.V Hurting Us?" Women 's Health (n.d.): 136-137. Web. <http://communication.usf.edu/faculty/dubrofsky/realitytv.pdf>.

Cited: Bergman, Jessica E. "No More Format Disputes: Are Reality Television Formats Subject for Federal Copyright Protection?" The Journal of Business, Entrepreneurship & the Law 4.2 (2011): n. pag. Web. 22 May. 2015. Christenson, Peter, et al. "THE "REALITY" OF HEALTH: Reality Television and the Public Health." (2006): Print. "Get Fit Club Weight Loss Reality Show with Gabi Rose. Episode 2." YouTube. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 May. 2015. Ouellette, Laurie, and Hay, James. Better Living through Reality TV. Malden: Blackwell Publishing, 2008. Print. PARHAM, K. "Is Reality T.V Hurting Us?" Women 's Health (n.d.): 136-137. Web. <http://communication.usf.edu/faculty/dubrofsky/realitytv.pdf>.