When you think of reality TV what comes to mind? Why do people get so hooked to this type of programming? Reality TV is one of the most popular television programs out today. Cynthia M. Frisby explores reasons why millions of viewers are addicted to reality TV in her essay "Getting Real with Reality TV." Frisby speaks about how different factors affect the viewers and make them want to watch reality TV shows.
Frisby first discusses how genres and how media gratification makes viewers want to watch reality TV. The main genres are game shows, dating shows, and talent shows, shows that are generally cheaper to produce, so if they dont make high ratings they are replaced. Frisby then states, the success of reality TV is because, "it plays off real-life concern-looking for love, competing to win a job or big prize, or becoming a millionaire-situations (or dreams) that most people casn relate to." (258). The media gratification is anothe point Frisby touches on, which has six gratifications of media and they are information or surveillance, escape, passing time, entertainment, social viewing or status enhancement, and relaxation. People generally compare themselves to contestants on these shows for variest of reasons. Some viewers compare related abilities, behavior, and to lift their spirits up about their lives or personal situations. One type of camparison that people use when comparing themselves to reality TV contestants is called upward comparison, which is when those made with others who are superior to or better off than oneself. Another comparison is a downward comparison which is when a social comparison involves a target who is inferior, incompetent, or less fortunate. There are alot of factors that viewers consider when they choose which reality TV show to watch.
Frisby then takes a survey and illastrates how reality TV captivates viewers. Contacted 110 people to complete a uses and gratification survey, which listed 37 reality shows and the goal of the survey was to demonstrate that social comparisons may be elicited by certain television content and to see if viewers use reality television images and content as a source of social comparison.
Is Reality TV shaping our minds and the minds of our children? ... Reality TV is having an influence on our children. ... Luring our children in with hopes of finding love and money. ... Technology has made this obsession easily assessable. ... Remember that television is a business. ...
Shows such as MTV's Real World and CBS's Survivor are great indicators of society's obsession with drama in a "live" situation. It seems our infatuation with these shows stems from our desire to focus our attention away from our own tribulations and focus on problems elsewhere. ... Personally, I feel that because of television's fixation with reality-based programs, people are now turning to the movie industry to get away from such realistic forms of entertainment. ... This is a primary reason why we see such an increase in reality-based television these days. ... It will b...
Television and Sexual Messages Fifteen year-old Laurie was rushed to the emergency room with acute pain in her lower abdomen. ... This theory focuses on the way viewers "come to cultivate or adopt attitudes and expectations about the real world that coincide with [television's] portrait of reality."" Through prolonged viewing, audiences begin to accept television's version of reality over their own. When sexual situations are repeatedly absorbed by teenagers' impressionable and immature minds, the T.V. reality in which no bad consequences are depicted becomes the teens' ...
Why Does Reality Television Capture Our Attention? ... That is a long time with limited food, equipment, and proper shelter. ... Reality TV has been named America's latest obsession and its true. ... Is reality TV really a reality? ... Reality TV needs a reality check before it can really be considered reality. ...
Shows such as MTV's Real World and CBS's Survivor are great indicators of society's obsession with drama in a "live" situation. It seems our infatuation with these shows stems from our desire to focus our attention away from our own tribulations and focus on problems elsewhere. ... Personally, I feel that because of television's fixation with reality-based programs, people are now turning to the movie industry to get away from such realistic forms of entertainment. ... This is a primary reason why we see such an increase in reality-based television these days. ... It will b...
The most important part of this research is how forensic psychology is being shown on television unrealistically. ... Another factor is students are attracted by the culture's obsession dealing with all things criminal. ... Television has a huge effect on people of the world today. ... This is a misconception on the role that forensic psychology plays in our criminal justice system and leads to confusing ideas on what forensic psychology really is. On television, a forensic psychologists' job is only criminal profiling. ...
Our appearance is in many ways our presentation in front of others. ... For example, when you turn on the television or open a magazine, you find yourself surrounded by skinny young women who come between ourselves and reality. ... And it is not only that they are not affordable, above all, they are not compatible with our everyday activities, such as doing housework or fixing cars. As soon as we try to look as stars do and at the same time go on with our stultifying routines, we realize that these people are not as they appear on television, and we try to forget our dream of looking as they d...
- Most people in our society usually have the opinion that violence on television increases aggression in children and adolescents. Has the media deceived our nation? ... They were full of brutal violence, terrible obsession with death and lustful representations of women. ... Nowadays, our society's parents have young children, students. ... Therefore, as the child grows up and starts watching television, the child can not tell the difference between what reality is and what fantasy is. ...
Magazines, television, radio, and advertisements are just a few examples of the deliberate push to make our minds believe that skinny is pretty and fat is considered disgusting. ... When in reality a size four is a very uncommon size to be. ... It creates an obsession and a need for waif like bodies. This is the reality of today's standards. ... Until then we will be a nation consumed and obsessed with our own idea's of achieving unhealthy body size, shape, and image....
