Reality television has become one of the most popular types of television programs within the past few years. Whether it is seven strangers picked to live in a house together or having to eat cow intestine, people love reality television and the ratings show it. The show "Survivor" is often referred to the show that started the whole reality television phenomenon. When it was broadcasted back in 2000, it sparked a craze which lead to hundreds of new reality based television shows around the world. But these shows are not without problems on society. Sadly, it seems that society has progressively become more interested in watching the lives of others than participating in their own. Reality television is having a negative effect on our society.
Almost ten years ago, Music Television (MTV) aired one of the first reality television shows ever, known as "The Real World". And since than, reality television has become Americas guiltiest pleasure. But what makes reality television so appealing to its viewers? In our materialistic society it is not a surprise that the first catalyst for reality television being popular today is money. Today's shows offer huge sums of money to people who do not necessarily possess the career skills that would make them a productive enough member of society to earn such wealth through honest work. And that is why people are willing to swallow their pride, and a few pounds of cow brains, for the so called "handsome reward" they have the opportunity to win. Now, some shows do in fact have, at least at first, a semi-intellectual premise. "Who Wants to Be A Millionaire", for example, offered up to a million dollars to people answering a set of questions. The questions, however, differed from related shows in that they were usually trivia oriented. Also, the audience was involved, as well as calling a friend and so on, which added to the drama aspect. The lighting, music, and editing all were all there to produce the maximum possible suspense surrounding the contestant.
