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Reality Shows: Advantages and Disadvantages of TV

Table of contents

Advantages of reality shows, disadvantages of reality tv shows, solutions to overcome the addiction of reality shows.

• Andrejevic, M. (2004). Reality TV: The work of being watched. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.
• Bell, M. (2015). Reality TV and class. In A. Hill (Ed.), Reality TV: Key ideas (pp. 135-150). Routledge.
• Choueiti, M., Khanduri, R., & Pieper, K. (2019). Inequality in 1,200 popular films: Examining portrayals of gender, race/ethnicity, LGBTQ, and disability from 2007-2018. USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative.
• Hill, A. (2015). Introduction. In A. Hill (Ed.), Reality TV: Key ideas (pp. 1-10). Routledge.
• Holmes, S. (2004). Reality TV: Audiences and popular factual television. Routledge.
• Mastro, D. E., & Kopacz, M. A. (2016). Race, reality television, and stereotypes: Examining the content of network and cable reality series. Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, 60(2), 208-227.

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The Impact of Reality Television on Society: a Critical Analysis

This essay about the impact of reality television on society explores how the genre shapes cultural perceptions, influences political discourse, and affects individuals’ mental well-being. It examines how reality TV can perpetuate unrealistic standards, manipulate narratives, and blur the lines between entertainment and exploitation. Despite its drawbacks, the essay acknowledges the potential for reality television to spark important conversations and inspire social change, particularly through documentaries and inclusive programming. It emphasizes the need for critical inquiry when consuming reality TV, highlighting its power to both reflect and shape societal values, political ideologies, and individual psyches.

How it works

Reality television has etched itself into the very fabric of contemporary society, weaving a tapestry of unscripted drama, larger-than-life personas, and a voyeuristic allure that captures audiences worldwide. Yet, beneath the glitz and glamour lies a nuanced landscape of influence that molds perceptions, shapes behaviors, and redefines societal norms. In this exclusive examination, we unravel the intricate impact of reality television on the collective psyche.

A defining facet of reality TV is its ability to sculpt cultural perceptions and societal standards. Need a custom essay on the same topic? Give us your paper requirements, choose a writer and we’ll deliver the highest-quality essay! Order now

Shows such as "The Real Housewives" or "Love Island" often exalt materialism, superficiality, and sensationalism, presenting an exaggerated portrayal of reality that viewers may idealize. This glorification of excess can breed unrealistic expectations of wealth, beauty, and interpersonal relationships, fostering a culture fixated on image and instant gratification.

Moreover, reality television serves as a potent catalyst for shaping public discourse and political ideologies. Programs like "The Apprentice" or "Big Brother" often mirror real-world power dynamics and social stratifications, providing a platform for discussing leadership, competition, and social hierarchies. However, the editorial process can distort narratives, perpetuating stereotypes or reinforcing biases. This manipulation of reality blurs the lines between fact and fiction, influencing viewers' perceptions of societal issues and political figures.

Furthermore, reality TV's impact extends to individuals' mental well-being and self-esteem. Contestants are thrust into the spotlight, subjected to relentless scrutiny, and often criticized for their actions, appearances, or personal lives. This relentless exposure can take a toll on their mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, or even identity crises. Similarly, viewers are inundated with images of curated perfection, leading to feelings of inadequacy, comparison, and self-doubt, particularly among impressionable audiences.

On a broader scale, reality television perpetuates voyeuristic tendencies and desensitizes viewers to exploitation and sensationalism. Shows like "The Bachelor" or "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" thrive on conflict, controversy, and spectacle, often at the expense of participants' dignity and privacy. This normalization of voyeurism and sensationalism can desensitize viewers to real-world issues, blurring the boundaries between entertainment and exploitation.

Despite its pitfalls, reality television has the potential to provoke meaningful conversations and incite social change. Documentaries and reality series focusing on topics like poverty, addiction, or environmental activism can raise awareness, challenge stereotypes, and inspire action. Platforms like "Queer Eye" or "RuPaul's Drag Race" celebrate diversity, empathy, and authenticity, promoting inclusivity and acceptance in a polarized world.

In conclusion, reality television wields a profound influence on society, shaping cultural values, political ideologies, and individual psyches. While it can perpetuate harmful stereotypes, exploit participants, and foster voyeurism, it also has the power to educate, inspire, and unite audiences across the globe. As discerning viewers, it is imperative to approach reality TV with critical inquiry, scrutinizing its motives, representations, and societal implications. Ultimately, the impact of reality television on society reflects the intricate interplay between entertainment, influence, and the human condition, illuminating both the complexities and contradictions of our shared reality.

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Home — Essay Samples — Entertainment — Television — Reality Television

Essays on Reality Television

Reality television essay topics for college students.

As a college student, choosing the right essay topic is crucial for a successful and engaging paper. This page aims to provide you with a variety of reality television essay topics to inspire your creativity and personal interests.

Essay Types and Topics

Argumentative.

• The impact of reality television on society
• Reality television and the representation of gender roles
• The ethical implications of reality TV

Paragraph Example: Reality television has become a dominant force in modern society, influencing the way we perceive reality and shaping our cultural norms. In this essay, we will examine the impact of reality television on society, exploring its effects on individual behavior and societal values. The rise of reality television has sparked debates about its influence, and it is essential to understand the implications of this cultural phenomenon.

Paragraph Example: Reality television has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on society, shaping our perceptions and cultural values. It is important to critically evaluate the influence of reality TV and consider its implications for our future.

Compare and Contrast

• Reality television vs. scripted television: a comparative analysis
• The portrayal of relationships in reality TV vs. real life

Descriptive

• A day in the life of a reality TV star
• The set design and production of popular reality TV shows
• The addictive nature of reality television
• The influence of reality TV on consumer behavior
• My personal journey as a reality television fan
• The impact of reality television on my perspective of the world

Engagement and Creativity

Essay writing is an opportunity to explore your interests and critical thinking skills. Choose a topic that resonates with you and allows you to express your unique perspective. Engage with the subject matter and let your creativity shine through your writing.

Educational Value

Each essay type offers valuable learning outcomes. Argumentative essays develop analytical thinking and persuasive writing skills. Compare and contrast essays enhance critical thinking and analytical abilities. Descriptive essays hone the ability to paint vivid pictures with words, while persuasive essays strengthen the art of persuasion. Narrative essays allow you to explore storytelling techniques and personal reflection.

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Argumentative Essay: Analyzing Reality TV and Classism

Classism and class hierarchy are enduring issues in modern American culture because the entertainment industry has such a profound impact on public opinion. This paper examines whether specific film and television genres, especially reality TV, reflect classism and the drive for financial success. This paper investigates how cutting-edge media impacts society’s discernment of economic imbalance and its trust in advancement. A nitty-gritty examination of appearances such as “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” and other sources illustrates that reality TV appearances, primarily “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” have a noteworthy effect on how we see classism and how interesting it is.

Reality TV has become progressively well-known within the amusement trade. It appears like “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” gives a focal point through which we may think about how classism and the US fixation with the social chain of command are depicted. Michael Parenti’s exposition, “Course and Ethicalness,” clarifies how the media strengthens social lesson divisions. He argues, “The media often depict the rich as virtuous and benevolent, implying that their wealth is a result of hard work and moral superiority, while the poor are portrayed as lazy or morally deficient” (Parenti 507). This concept can be utilized in TV shows like “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” which centers on the ways of life of influential and affluent families. They seem to romanticize their extravagant way of life, quietly recommending that victory and riches are available to individuals who share specific standards.

The paper “Tall School Secret: Notes on High Schooler Motion Pictures” by David Denby investigates how classes are depicted in youngster motion pictures. “The girls need the seal of approval conferred by the converted jocks; the nerds need money and a girl” (Denby 513). He focuses on the fact that tall school habitually appears in adolescent movies as a smaller-than-expected adaptation of society, total with the same course divisions and social structures within the genuine world. High school movies and reality TV may have an unclear association, but they both deal with the issue of social status and lesson stratification. This relationship can be observed in reality TV programs like “My Super Sweet 16,” which feature teens from wealthy homes. These programs uphold the idea that social standing and material wealth are necessary indicators of success.

“Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” a reality TV show about the Kardashian-Jenner family, renowned for their wealth, opulent lifestyles, and celebrity status, follows this. They are portrayed favorably on the show, highlighting their achievements in the entertainment and commercial sectors. Denby noted, “If they had held on for a few years, they might have been working at a hip software company” (512). This reflects that social mobility can modify the system and lead to success. The media often portrays the Kardashians as diligent business owners whose success and wealth stem directly from their efforts. In addition, “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” encourages aspirations of social mobility. For many viewers, the extravagant parties, high-end clothes, and lavish vacations featured on the show are sources of inspiration. Ascending the economic ladder is a dream many have, and the front adds to our interest in class stratification by making this lavish lifestyle seem attractive and possible. Even though the truth is significantly more complicated, it conveys that anyone can achieve such affluence with enough drive and ambition.

Reality TV programs featuring adolescent protagonists from wealthy families reflect Denby’s discussion on how class differences are portrayed in juvenile films. “My Super Sweet 16” is a perfect illustration of that. The show centers on teens throwing wild, lavish parties to celebrate turning sixteen. These festivities frequently feature expensive presents, high-end apparel, and private locations. The show perpetuates that financial wealth is a crucial indicator of success, even for youngsters, by presenting such lavish occasions. This portrayal supports Denby’s claim that class divisions in the adult world are reflected in teen films, highlighting the importance of financial standing.

In conclusion, classism and our interest in class hierarchy are perpetuated by the reality TV genre, as demonstrated by shows like “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” and similar ones. These programs blatantly display the media’s propensity, as Michael Parenti has highlighted, to present the wealthy as successful and morally superior while simultaneously portraying them as hardworking and devout. Additionally, David Denby’s analysis of teen films reveals how these depictions of class and hierarchy in the media mirror those in the real world, further solidifying that material riches are a crucial marker of success. It is clear from these illustrations and the insights drawn from the readings that American entertainment media significantly influences how we view class and how much we want to go up the social and economic ladder. Given the pervasiveness of reality TV in today’s culture, it is crucial to evaluate the signals it sends about success and class.

Denby, David. “High school confidential: Notes on Teen Movies.” pp. 510-515.

Michael Parenti, “Class and Virtue.” pp. 506-509.

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Reality Shows: Real or Fake Argumentative Essay

What is a Reality Show? A television reality show features talent culled from the ranks of ‘ordinary’ people, not professionally trained actors. Reality show producers typically shoot hundreds of hours of footage per episode and use creative editing to create a narrative thread. Subjects of a reality show may be given some rudimentary directions offscreen, but the point is to allow the performers to act and react as normally as possible. A reality show is not to be confused with a documentary, in which the subjects are asked to ignore the cameras and behave naturally.

Many reality show producers encourage participants to play to the cameras as characters or use private taped conversations, called confessionals, as a form of narration. For many years, the television industry favored scripted television programs over the unpredictable and potentially litigious reality show form. An early reality show called Candid Camera, hosted by the unassuming Allen Funt, demonstrated that carefully edited clips of ordinary people reacting to contrived situations could be a ratings success. Early game shows featuring contestants selected from the audience also provided moments of unscripted reality.

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Groucho Marx’s game show You Bet Your Life! featured extended interviews with ordinary contestants, although Marx was thoroughly briefed on their backgrounds before the show started. Television shows during the 1960s and 1970s were usually scripted, with a cast of professional actors creating the characters. It was believed that a reality show featuring untrained actors working without a guiding script would be virtually unwatchable. There would be no way to create a satisfying storyline ending precisely after the allotted half-hour or hour running time of a typical scripted show.

The only network amenable to the idea of a true reality show in the 1970s was the Public Broadcasting System (PBS). A documentary called An American Family followed the real lives of the Loud family as they dealt with the parents’ impending divorce. During the late 1980s, a syndicated reality show called COPS began showing real policemen performing their duties as hand-held cameras rolled. The success of COPS spurred other production companies to create reality shows featuring real footage captured by amateur photographers, local news organizations, and police surveillance cameras.

This documentary form of reality show proved to be quite popular, especially among the younger demographics sought by advertisers. Meanwhile, another form of reality show began to take shape. Producers of The Real World recruited groups of twenty-somethings to live in a furnished apartment while cameras recorded every public moment of their lives together. The footage was carefully edited to create a satisfying arc of episodes, even if the participants appeared to be prodded into certain confrontations at times.

Shows like The Real World proved that television audiences could enjoy watching unscripted performers reacting to somewhat scripted circumstances. Perhaps the most groundbreaking reality show on American network television was CBS’ Survivor, debuting in 1999. Survivor featured teams of non-professional actors culled from thousands of audition tapes. Its success prompted network executives to greenlight a number of other shows employing a cast of camera-ready civilians and armies of creative editors.

Professional actors, directors, and writers have all voiced strong objections to this new form of reality programming, but a reality show is usually inexpensive to produce and consistently reaches its target audience. There is some evidence that the reality show format is losing some momentum, but finding successful replacement programming has also proven to be difficult. How Did Reality TV Begin? If you date the beginnings of realty TV to MTV’s The Real World or the CBS network’s Survivor, you’re off by several decades. There have been a variety of unscripted and live television shows that date back to the 1940s.

Among them, Candid Camera, which debuted in 1948, is often thought of as the first example of reality television, where people were unwittingly exposed to pranks or silly situations by host Allen Funt. Certain competition or game shows were also considered early versions of reality TV, as were live airings of programs like The Miss America Pageant and the Oscars. It doesn’t get more real than David Niven’s 1974 ad lib comments at the Academy Awards as a streaker crossed behind him on the stage. Most television historians don’t consider documentaries or lengthy news stories as reality TV, but again these evoked people’s interest greatly.

Anthropological studies of tribal groups, or watching the news “unfold” through camera coverage of events, like President Kennedy’s assassination, could be called the ancestors of modern reality TV. Another example of earlier than The Real World reality TV is the program Cops, which premiered in 1989. This is a few years before MTV would take on their ambitious Real World production, and showcased police officers in different cities making arrests or dealing with people behaving in criminal or dangerous fashion.

The program is the longest running of reality TV programs, and celebrated its 19th anniversary on the air in 2008. Yet many people do see the programs above mentioned as predecessors to programs like The Real World first airing in 1992, and then the reality TV boom that occurred in the 2000s with programs like Survivor and American Idol. What MTV’s program offered was a look at seven strangers all occupying house space together over a period of several months. MTV almost didn’t start this trend, and early in their conception of the series, they thought about having actors play out scripts that would seem close to reality.

Instead the show’s creators ultimately opted for providing viewers with video voyeurism, and an opportunity to see the “real lives” of several people. Of course, as with all “reality” TV, these real lives were shown when they were most tense or dramatic; editors went through hours of film to produce what was aired on television, since real life doesn’t always make for the most exciting television moments. The idea of combining competitive elements with reality TV came in the form of a Swedish TV program called Expedition: Robinson, which first aired in 1997.

This was three years prior to the first airing of Survivor and in fact, inspired Mark Burnett’s Survivor, who had to lease the concept from the creators of the Swedish show. Several other countries also produced similar programs, but the most famous of these in American television is undoubtedly Burnett’s variation of the Swedish show, which premiered in 2000. From Survivor other contest reality shows emerged, and some like American Idol, America’s Next Top Model, Project Runway, and The Bachelor have been big hits.

In fact, many minor celebrities felt that contributing or being the subject of a reality show might bolster their careers, leading to “celebreality” shows like The Anna Nicole Show, The Osbournes and Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica. Other celebs sought to compete in programs similar to the Survivor or game show format leading to programs like Celebrity Fit Club, and Dancing with the Stars. At present, you’ll find a vast variety of reality shows on TV, but just how real is reality TV? Most combine some real moments, with a few fake ones. For instance, not all footage of competitions in Survivor features the contestants.

Some is recreated afterward to provide aerial shots. “Live” performances on American Idol and especially the judge’s comments may be prepared in advance when the judges watch dress rehearsals. Celebrities who allow camera access often write into their contracts the ability to veto any scene they don’t want shown. It’s semi-real, usually not scripted, but not exactly “real” in the sense of total access to all footage without editing for dramatic purpose. How Real Are Reality Shows? Do reality show writers ever invent stories that didn’t really happen? A lot of people ask the question, “How real is reality television? and, “Am I watching something true or is it being made up for me? or, “Are they being scripted to do what they’re doing? ” Different shows have different levels of manipulation. Some reality shows are very heavily manipulated by their producers to the point where they’ll pull a person aside and say, “Why don’t you go in there are get into a fight with Suzie, because it’ll make you a bigger TV star. ” Then they’ll go in there and get into a fight with Suzie, and you’ll see it on TV as a real fight. Some reality show producers do hardly anything at all, and they let events play out as they occur, and they try to tell you that story.

Some producers are in between the two, where they might suggest that it’d be better if you got in a fight with Suzie, or they might interview you and say, “How do you feel about Suzie? Are you feeling like she’s a bitch? ” They use the power of suggestion. There are lots of different ways to manipulate reality shows and people, and different shows do it to different levels. My policy is to stack the deck properly ahead of time: cast well, make your set pieces interesting and create problems for the cast. Simply making someone the boss for the day is enough, usually, to get things going.

You can do enough and not manipulate the cast so much that things start feeling fake. I feel like the home audience can smell it when a reality show feels fake. I feel like a reality show should do its best to deliver to the audience unpredictable real life as much as possible, because that’s actually why they want to see the show. If the audience feels like they’re watching something fake, they will reject you. The better reality shows are a lot less fake than the shows that are not so good. Are reality shows edited to create fake stories?

There is a phrase we have in television called ‘anything appeal’ and what that means is that you don’t want to find yourself in a situation of trying to tell a story that really didn’t happen. It is really hard to do that. If two people are best friends in a reality show it is hard. You can make them enemies through the editing. You can make it so that every time you see one girl say that she doesn’t like Brad, the producer can switch the name from Brad to Shu. The truth is that Shu is her best friend and you are digging a hole for yourself. It is the tangled web of deception. You can’t continue the fakeness of the story.

Generally, if you don’t know what you are doing then you don’t fake up a story. Are reality show contests ever rigged? It is against the law to defraud the American public and so it is against the law to present a contest to the American public and say that it is real when it is not, in the same way that it is illegal to tell someone that your little pill cures cancer. It is illegal to say a person answered this question correctly and they really didn’t, or this person just won over all these other contestants because they were the smartest one, when really they were the ones that were being coached.

All of that is illegal; it is fraud. In the entertainment business, when you are saying to the reality show audience, “This is a real contest and it is a fair contest and the winner won on skill and knowledge” they really better have done that, or else they could be sued or prosecuted. How do networks ensure reality show competitions are fair? In terms of game shows and reality shows, there are a lot of precautions taken to make sure they stay fair. There’s a division of the network, probably, called Standards and Practices.

They usually have a representative on the set that watches everything, that randomizes the questions that get asked. The producers want an entertaining show. The truth is that their incentive is not a fair competition. Their incentive is: “Was it fun? Was it interesting? Was there a tie that was broken at the last second? ” They would rather it was the most exciting possible outcome every time, which as we all know in real life is impossible. If you’re really a fair competition, you never know, somebody might run away with it in the first two minutes. You just have to live with that, the same as with a football game.

To answer the question, the reality show producers are pushing against their inner nature to make the show fair, and they’re usually held in check by outside forces, like a standards and practices department, or a lawyer on the set, or other things that are there put in place to protect everyone from an illegal or fraudulent contest. How is ‘reality’ manipulated on reality TV? I think it’s pretty much acknowledged that they’re telling, in general, a true story on a reality show, but there is a lot of creative leeway with the editing, with how you amp up the emotion of the story that you’re telling.

This is not just through simple things like music, but also through a careful choice of interview bites, even manipulation of interview bites to help tell the story. When we produce the reality shows, we don’t just let people sit in front of a camera and decide what they want to say and do, because it would be actually like taping real life, and it wouldn’t be interesting. What we do is we set up a situation where the people have to perform, basically. For example, we’ll give them a challenge that you must beat this other team at this game or else you will be eliminated tonight.

Once you set that up, you put things in motion. It’s something they wouldn’t do normally. If we just put cameras on people they wouldn’t compete normally in silly little games and obstacle courses and photo-shoots; they would just sit and talk to each other. Instead, we basically force the hand of action and we map out a path or an obstacle course of tasks for these people to accomplish, using all kinds of different methods: either they want to win money, or they want to be America’s next top model, or whatever it is – there is some reason to keep propelling things forward on a reality show.

Are Reality Shows Real or Fake? The answer to the question, are reality shows real, is obviously no. In the earlier times, when there were other forms of reality TV, these shows had some part that displayed real emotion and behavior. In the recent times, however, they are nothing but hyped series of episodes where the cast (even non-actors), is made to put up a drama and act funny for entertainment. Today there are many reality show ideas for talent hunts, game shows and stunt competitions, where all the contestants compete for money.

Take a look at some more facts on reality television and find out, are reality shows real. Are Reality Shows Scripted? It all began with the super hit series of Big Brother, where a bunch of not so famous celebrities had to live with strangers 24/7 and were cut off from the whole world. They competed against each other for money and the last survivor, won it all. Though these shows are not completely scripted, the backbone of the show is surely written. Once the rules and regulations to be followed are jotted down, the rest of the show is carried further by the characters in the show.

Because all reality shows have to start with introducing strangers to each other on the show sets, the drama is created when they react, make friends, don’t get along and sometimes even get in a fight. Today as the effects of reality TV are enormous on viewers, entertainment channels are coming up with many such shows. Some reality shows which involve videos about certain events like police chases, training academies, etc. are however not scripted, as they are 100% real.

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The world of entertainment is making changes to spice up their programmes. It was then the reality show was introduced. A good entrance and the audiences love it. From a reality show of singing, acting, modelling ,sports, magic, and etc to even parenting, audiences from all walks of life enjoys it. Reality show is well

Reality TV Shows Cause Dangerous Stereotype

Do reality television shows cause dangerous stereotypes? It is mostly agreed that reality tv promotes dangerous stereotypes. The producers goals are not things like education, but entertainment purposes. The new generation of reality television celebrity stars don’t thrive on talent, but use sensationalism to always be in the news, and some mothers are concerned that

The Reality of Reality Television

Reality television, such as "Survivor", "Big Brother", and "The Apprentice", has gained immense popularity in recent years. These shows attract large audiences and generate significant revenue for broadcasters globally. Defining reality TV can be challenging, but it essentially refers to programs that depict real events rather than scripted drama or comedy. Typically, reality TV involves

Fake Moon Landing Essay

Moon Landing

As social media and ways to talk to people grow, information spread among the public also grows. If I have friend across the country who I never I visit I still might know everything that is going on in there life because Americans love to post everything. In 1999 only 6% of people believed in

Essay About Epidemic of Fake News

Human Activities

The epidemic of Fake News A comprehensive report This paper is an examination of how false news stories have influenced our political process and how we can prevent these stories from controlling the press.  In this section, I review the multiple instances of Fake News influencing our political system, and how the American people have

Does School Prepare You for Real Life? Argumentative Essay

Does Schools Prepare You for Real Life? High School could simply become one of those places where your knowledge about the world builds up, however not everybody remember being given a chance to spread their wings and fly for the first time. It is not until when students graduates from the restrictive environment where students

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