Reality Shows

Argumentative Essay # 58377

Communication > Television
English > Argument
Psychology > Behaviorism
Psychology > Social

Reality Shows

An analysis of reality television shows and the insights they provide into human nature.

2,636 words () | 14 sources | MLA | 2004

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the new rage of reality television shows. The paper contends that reality shows communicate important lessons regarding human nature and psychology. The paper examines precisely why these shows have gained so much popularity across different cultures and explores the type of effect they have on viewers. The paper presents the psychological opinion that these reality shows provide important insights into human behavior.

Outline
Explanation of Reality Shows: Popularity, Theme, and Effect
Criticism of Reality Shows
The Lessons Learned
Positive and Constructive Criticism
Guides to Human Behavior
Popularity
Human Nature
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Reality shows, defined as television programs in which common people, without the help of a script, are placed in a specific human situation and their reactions and behavior filmed, are becoming tremendously popular throughout the world. In the United States, Kim Campbell, a reporter with the Christian Science Monitor, counts at least ten popular reality shows on American television. On British television, Sam Brenton, author of "Everyone's A Winner," reports that there are currently at least five extremely popular reality shows. In the Arab World, there are two twenty-four hour, seven days a week ones, which keep viewers glued to their televisions for hours. In light of the international popularity of these shows, it is clear that the popularity of reality is based on the fact that they reveal the universal aspects of human nature itself. In other words, the popularity of reality shows is based on what appears to be a universal human attraction to voyeurism, the sight of people being humiliated, insulted and exposed at their most private emotional moments. Therefore, while many such as the media critic, Lewis Grossberger, author of "This Is Reality?", may criticize television producers for creating the reality show program type and stress that these shows communicate low and unethical moral standards, the truth is that reality shows are simply a response to viewer demands and taste. While it is true that the content of reality shows aim to bring out the worst in human nature, rarely allowing the display of positive behaviour, the fact is that reality shows can communicate a constructive message insofar as they exposes the nature of society, how people behave in competitive situations, what people will suffer and do for money, and how we enjoy that suffering, motivating viewers to reconsider their values and priorities. Therefore, even though reality shows are correctly criticized for being both unrealistic and based on the senseless humiliation of human beings, reality shows are realistic regarding human reactions and behaviors, and communicate important lessons about the hidden sides of human nature."