Impacts reality TV shows can have in its viewers might not be a concern for some people. However, their negativity of them raises some concerns for those who are easily influenced. Ultimately, what is at stake is a biased, stereotypical view of false reality. According to a survey conducted by YouGov, almost one in 4 people aged 18-24 say that reality TV shows make them worry about their bodies. More than one in seven said that they have hurt themselves due to concerns about their body image, and about 23% had experienced suicidal thoughts because of concerns related to their body image. The Mental Health Foundation is concerned about the negative impacts some television programs have on its viewers, particularly those targeted at younger audiences who are more likely to feel anxious about their body images. Television programs should not be giving stereotypical views to audiences, giving them a perspective of a false reality, which in turn may lead to detrimental health risks and misunderstandings.
Reality shows may seem realistic for most viewers as they are showing real participants who aren’t professional actors. But, reality TV shows are not all that you see as there is an extremely low chance that these shows are actually real, and the majority of reality shows are scripted. The dramatic situations that happen in the shows are all made up and highly exaggerated. Mike Fleiss, the successful creator of “The Bachelor” said that 70 to 80 percent of reality TV shows are fake and scripted. The production starts with loosely crafted outlines for events to happen continuously without having to wait for something to happen. With the clarity of the deception behind reality TV shows, viewers, especially younger viewers, are likely to believe that they are watching a real situation, which forces a misleading perspective of what they are watching. Since young viewers are more likely to be influenced by the media than other audiences, they will believe that what they are watching in the shows is how to respond or act truthfully, and will act like the cast in the show in real life.
Another negative effect of reality tv shows is that it promotes unethical behavior. Reality shows often portray dramatic situations to get the interest of audiences. For example, conflict, jealousy, bullying, and violence are behaviors frequently portrayed in reality tv programs. Since younger audiences are easily influenced by media, they will consider these negative behaviors appropriate, therefore mimicking the behavior. So, reality tv shows will teach immoral and inappropriate behavior to their young audiences. negatively impacting their morality.
Finally, reality TV shows bring viewers anxiety and negative feelings about themselves. Most participants in reality tv shows are very attractive and perfectly fit the beauty standards. However, these people are rarely seen in real life. A reality TV show called “Love Island” is an example. Like the majority of reality shows, it only featured “attractive” participants, and the lack of diversity in its contestants was a controversial issue. There have even been calls for more plus-size participants in the show. The effect reality shows have on their viewers is shown in a survey released ahead of the new series of Love Island. According to the survey, one in four young audiences have worried about their body image or appearances due to reality TV shows, and more than one in seven has deliberately hurt themselves. Obviously, this is a considerable problem as it is even giving young people suicidal thoughts and risking their health.
Reality TV shows are increasing in popularity these days. It has interested many people for its participants and dramatic situations. However, it is negatively impacting its viewers for the same reasons. Viewers, especially young viewers can be easily influenced by reality TV shows, and promoting immoral behavior or stereotypical views can be very disadvantageous for them. It can lead to immoral actions or health issues if this problem continues. People should realize that reality TV shows are giving a huge impact on a viewer’s morality and confidence, and even health and try to change the stereotypical and biased views of reality shows.
(Source of Image) https://www.mghclaycenter.org/parenting-concerns/teenagers/impact-reality-tv-teens-can-parents/
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