How Does Reality TV affect society in the U.S.?

How Does Reality TV affect society in the U.S.?

Introduction

Reality shows have taken over the TV screen since 21st century. No one can deny the popularity and ratings of the reality shows. Whether it's a jersey shore enjoyed by the teens or American Idol enjoyed by the whole family, it's impossible to turn off the TV when they are on air. Much of the debate is going on whether Reality shows having a negative impact or positive impact on our society. The intention of this paper is to conduct a research and highlight the positive and negative impacts of Reality shows on the society in USA.

Discussion

Positive Impacts

Reality Shows are the most viewed genre nowadays. The biggest loser was a reality show in which overweight contestant participated and tried to lose their weight, was the big motivation for the viewers. It raised awareness about the healthy life, nutrition, the body image and the problems of obesity (Sarah et al, 2012). Cooking shows like top chef and Iron chef have become popular in recent time. Celebrity taking part in these shows motivates people to make interesting dishes (Devon M Malene, 2011). Documentaries such as Teen and Pregnancy, and Teen Mom, created awareness and consequences of pregnancy in young age amongst the teen girls (Tiffany C brewer,2011).

Reality Shows allow common people to display their skills and talent. It provides people with the worldwide coverage. James Chung was the contestant of the Reality Show “The Real World” who was later starred in the film Dragonball Evolution. Reality Shows which features real Life events also influenced the viewers. Shows like “Caught in the Act” help us understand the world and help us to understand the law and other lessons which the book is not able to provide.

Negative Impacts

When we talk about the negative impacts of the reality shows, it depends upon what the person is watching. One of the Hit reality show, “The Bad Girls Club”, showed girls living in the house with each other and fight with each other once in a week. These kinds of the show always affects society in a negative way as viewers, after watching the show, thinks that it is OK to fight with whoever gets in the way. Having alcohol at the legal age is not a bad thing in USA. But at the same time, the reality shows such as ...