Have you ever watched a reality television show? Reality TV has become widely known to many people over the years. In the 1940s, there were only 2 reality TV shows aired, and in 2010 there were more than 300 (Ocasio 1)! Reality TV is divided into the following categories: game or elimination, talent, talk, makeover, documentary, or spoofs (Thomas 1). It is controversial that reality TV has an influence on the way people act. Some may think it is a bad thing, but it can be a positive! Reality TV can be inspirational and broadcast public awareness.
Reality TV shows can be inspirational in many ways. For example, when viewers watch success stories they see how people can change their lives around and think maybe they can do that for themselves. An example of a reality TV show that expresses inspiration is America’s Next Top Model. Even though not every girl can win, many women have gone off and succeeded in life after with the help of that show, for example, Tocarra Jones did (Wood 1). You may watch that show and think all the women are catty. All girls are catty sometimes, but on this show the girls are on their own and have to face battles against other people, just as we all do. Now this can show viewers they need to be the bigger person sometimes, stand up for themselves, and not let others beat them down. A survey says that the majority of viewers that watch reality TV shows are more likely to aspire leadership (Radford 1). Inspiring viewers is not the only thing reality TV shows do, though.
Next, many reality TV shows broadcast public awareness. Public awareness basically means what it says- making the public aware of a certain topic. In this case, reality TV shows can make the public aware about teen pregnancy. Studies show 87% of teens that watch the show ‘Teen Mom’ feel educated about teen pregnancy and do not glamorize the show (Perritano 1). In fact, in 2009, teen pregnancy rates were at the lowest they’ve been for 70 years! Other shows, such as Dr. Oz, educate viewers on almost any topic you can think of from weight loss to pregnancy. A lot of reality TV shows have guests on the show to make the people who are watching feel like they’re not alone with their problems, like Dr. Phil, Dr. Oz, Oprah, and Ellen.
Many people may think reality TV affects its viewers in a negative way. Similar to short stories, reality TV shows have morals, too. People think reality TV is a negative influence because it can be deceptive to reality (Wood 1). One popular reality show, Jersey Shore, seems to glamorize partying, violence and drinking, but what many people do not realize is that it can show the many dangers of living a life of that nature! Also, the reality TV show, Keeping up With the Kardashians, seems to enforce bad behavior and fighting amongst family members. However, they always seem to find a resolution to their problems, showing viewers that fights can be resolved and that family should come first. Reality TV is primarily made for entertainment and if anything else, to impact viewers in a positive way, not negative!
As you can see, reality TV broadcasts a positive influence on its viewers. Reality TV can be inspirational in several ways, you can be informed about public awareness of numerous topics In your everyday life. How does reality TV influence you?
Works Cited * “Is Reality TV Messing With Your Head?.” Scholastic Choices 28.3 (2012): 12 MasterFILE Premier. 14
Dec. 2012. Web. * Ocasio, Anthony. "Reality TV By The Numbers." Reality TV By The Numbers [Infographic]. Screen
Rant, LLC, Feb. 2012. 11 Dec. 2012. Web. * Perritano, John. "What Is Reality TV 's Influence on Culture?" How Stuff Works. HowStuffWorks Inc.,
11 Mar. 2011. 29 Nov. 2012. Web. * Radford, Benjamin. “Reality TV: A Positive Influence for Girls?” Discovery News. Discovery News, 2
Dec. 2011. 14 Dec. 2012. Web. * Wood, Laura. "The Positive & Negative Effects of Reality TV." EHow. Demand Media, 15 Sept. 2010.
19 Nov. 2012. Web. * Worsham, Rebekah. "The Advantages of Reality TV." EHow. Demand Media, 26 Apr. 2010. 29 Nov.
2012. Web.
Cited: * “Is Reality TV Messing With Your Head?.” Scholastic Choices 28.3 (2012): 12 MasterFILE Premier. 14 Dec * Wood, Laura. "The Positive & Negative Effects of Reality TV." EHow. Demand Media, 15 Sept. 2010. 19 Nov. 2012. Web. * Worsham, Rebekah. "The Advantages of Reality TV." EHow. Demand Media, 26 Apr. 2010. 29 Nov. 2012
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