PRO
It seems every couple of months a new reality television show graces our beloved streaming platforms, capturing the attention of millions of viewers. Nearly 80% of adult television viewers watch some form of reality program. For decades, reality shows have only grown in popularity; “Survivor” has only increased in popularity consistently with each new season since its premiere in 2000.
Reality TV shows are more than their reputation of nothing more than petty drama and unrealistic standards. Despite its name, a lot of viewers aren’t tuning into the “Real Housewives” franchise or “Love Island” for a realistic and relatable representation of everyday life. Yes, many of our favorite reality shows depict a largely unattainable version of life, but that is part of their appeal. They’re an escape — a break — from reality.
Professor of Media Studies June Deery highlighted to BBC how part of the pull of reality tv shows is the fact that they don’t always represent true reality: “There is a coyness about reality TV’s faux authenticity that encourages people to think about how content is made and for what purpose.”
It is also unfair to say that reality shows depict an entirely unrealistic version of life and that there is nothing to be gained from watching them. Not only are they used as a simple guilty pleasure and escape from the sameness of everyday life, they can also be great examples of representation and diversity and a lot of the very real personal problems that are not always talked about. A dedicated viewer may find comfort in some part of themselves being represented by real people on their favorite reality programs.
Their favorite cast member being vulnerable about their personal struggles with mental health or other very real and deeply personal issues may be the deciding factor for a viewer to reach out and talk to someone about what they are going through. A young girl watching toxic relationships unfold before her might learn lessons about what relationships and love should and should not look like, lessons that she will carry with her for the rest of her life.
While it can certainly not be denied that there is an element of fakeness to reality TV and endless out of touch comments and cast members do not always make the best role models, reality TV should not be villainized to the extent that it is.
mkane10@ramapo.edu
CON
Reality shows are a form of entertainment to watch when you are bored at home or when you are just looking to hear some drama with your friends. In recent years, there has been a spike in reality shows, but reality television can be unhealthy since these programs tend to promote toxic lifestyles for both the viewers and the contestants.
The premise of shows like “Love Island,” for example, is for contestants to find love and to hype up drama for entertainment. However, viewers also see how contestants have procedures done just for the show. Season seven “Love Island” contestant Sharon Gaffka recently talked openly about her cosmetic procedures and her regret, saying, “I had these procedures, went on to ‘Love Island,’ and then was making another young woman feel like she needed these procedures in order to be deemed attractive.”
“Big Brother” is a reality show similar to “Love Island,” except this show features a 24/7 live feed that you can watch on Paramount+ and Pluto TV. This can definitely be harmful to the contestants, since they have almost no privacy and have random fans constantly watching their every move.
This concept feels a little invasive to the contestants. Although it is what they signed up for, they do not know the real effects of it until they are actually experiencing them.
Reality TV’s focus on beauty standards and consistent updates does not help fans, contestants or society as a whole. Other programs such as “The Kardashians,” “Selling Sunset” and many more prove to have obviously similar harmful beliefs.
jcaramag@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of KIMINFORMATION, X
