The Effects Of Reality Television On Society 6o5tp

 

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Memorandum     To:     From:     Date:     Subject:  

Television  Viewers   Justin  Dizon   December  12,  2012   The  Effects  of  Reality  Television  on  Society  

  Enclosed  is  the  report  “The  Effects  of  Reality  Television  on  Society.”    This  report   analyzes  the  different  effects  reality  television  has  on  society,  both  positive  and   negative.       The  information  gathered  derives  from  a  survey  questionnaire  given  to  common   everyday  television  viewers  of  various  age  groups,  race,  profession,  and  of  both   genders.    It  will  give  a  better  understanding  of  how  the  opinions  of  reality  TV  by   typical  television  watchers  are  influenced  by  what  they  see  on  the  screen.    Any   trends  or  patterns  are  also  indicated.       It  is  my  aspiration  that  the  following  information  provided  to  all  television  viewers   alike  would  be  both  informative  and  enlightening.              

 

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  THE  EFFECTS  OF  REALITY  TELEVISION  ON  SOCIETY       Prepared  by  Justin  Dizon   Student  at  Kean  University         Report  Distributed  December  12,  2012         Prepared  for   Professor  Amy  Dixon   English  3090   Kean  University    

 

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Abstract   Reality  television  has  been  a  growing  fad  this  past  decade  and  continues  to   grow  each  day.    Singing  competitions,  endurance  challenges,  grueling  obstacle   courses-­‐  these  are  a  few  examples  of  themes  reality  TV  shows  might  have,  all  of   which  ultimately  lead  to  a  cash  prize  or  big  award.    Television  ratings  show  that   reality  television  continues  to  lead  the  pack  among  all  shows  clearly  showing  the   enjoyment  American  viewers  have  on  reality  TV.    But  as  many  might  not  know,   reality  TV  influences  society  and  how  we  view  each  other.    Stereotypes,  clichés,  and   prejudice  are  often  depicted  on  these  reality  shows,  which  can  ultimately  brainwash   its  viewers.    With  this  topic,  I  have  the  opportunity  to  analyze  the  different  ways;   both  positive  and  negative,  reality  TV  has  influenced  society  as  well  as  possible   changes  it  can  take  for  the  future.    This  topic  interests  me  because  I  am  a  keen   viewer  of  many  reality  television  shows  and  I  can  compare  and  contrast  the   different  aspects  of  various  shows  impact  on  society.              

 

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Table  Of  Contents   Abstract……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..  3   List  of  Figures…………………………………………………………………………………………………….  5   I.    Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………………………...  6   A.    Reality  Television  History  (Background)……………………………………………...  6   B.    Different  Reality  Television  Shows……………………………………………………….  7   C.    Problem………………………………………………………………………………………………  9   D.  Proposed  Solution………………………………………………………………………………  10   E.    Questions  Researched…………………………………………………………………………11   F.    Limitations  of  Research……………………………………………………………………….12   II.    Methodology  and  Research……………………………………………………………………………13   A.    Primary  Research  –  Questionnaire………………………………………………………13   B.    Secondary  Research  –  Outside  Data  Collection……………………………………..14   III.    Results  and  Discussion…………………………………………………………………………….…..  15    

A.    Results  of  Questionnaire…………………………………………………………………….  15  

 

B.    Results  of  Secondary  Research……………………………………………………………  19  

IV.    Conclusion  and  Recommendations………………………………………………………………..20    

A.    Review  and  Recap………………………………………………………………………………  20  

 

B.    Solution  and  Recommendations………………………………………………………….  21  

 

C.    Next  Steps…………………………………………………………………………………………..22  

References…………………………………………………………………………………………………………23      

 

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List  of  Figures   Figure  1:  Info  graphic  on  Reality  TV  By  The  Numbers  …………………………………………..  8   Figure  2:  Survey  Results-­‐  Description  of  Cast  (The  Jersey  Shore)  ………………………..  18   Figure  3:  Survey  Results-­‐  Description  of  Cast  (The  Real  Housewives)………………….  18   Figure  4:  Survey  Results-­‐  Description  of  Cast  (Teen  Mom)…………………………………..18                                  

 

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I. Introduction   A.    Reality  Television  History  (Background)    

“Reality”  is  defined  by  the  dictionary  as  “the  world  or  the  state  of  things  as  

they  actually  exist,  as  opposed  to  an  idealistic  or  notional  idea  of  them.”    The  world   we  are  living  in  would  be  described  as  our  own  reality  but  thanks  to  television,  we   now  have  the  opportunity  to  view  the  reality  of  others.    “Reality  TV  is  essentially   television  program[s]  in  which  there  are  no  writers,  actors,  or  scripts.    Instead,  the   shows  focus  on  “real”  events  or  situations”  (Perritano,  2011).    This  past  decade   reality  television  has  grown  to  cement  itself  into  our  everyday  culture.    Watching   the  lives  of  others  unfold  right  before  our  eyes  is  something  we  take  pleasure  in   whether  it  may  be  promoting  the  successes  or  failures  of  people.            

Television  based  on  reality  has  been  in  existence  for  more  than  70  years  but  

the  first  reality  television  show  to  air  was  “An  American  Family”  on  PBS  in  1973   (Perritano,  2011).    This  innovative  show,  which  focused  on  a  family  dealing  with   marital  issues,  gay  lifestyle,  and  changing  values,  ultimately  served  as  a  stepping-­‐ stone  for  reality  television  today  (PBS,  2011).        

       

 

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B.    Different  Reality  Television  Shows    

Singing  competitions,  endurance  challenges,  documentary,  and  dating-­‐based  

are  all  different  genres  among  the  reality  television  realm.    And  in  the  company  of   each  of  these  different  reality  shows  are  a  diverse  group  of  individuals  that  make  up   the  personalities  of  the  show.    Shows  like  American  Idol,  where  being  an  overnight   pop  star  is  honored;  and  The  Jersey  Shore,  where  over-­‐the-­‐top  partying  is  ridiculed,   are  both  shows  praised  by  the  viewing  public.    “During  Summer  2010  alone,  15  of   the  top  20  highest-­‐rated  programs  were  reality  or  unscripted  shows”  (Carter,  2010).     This  evidently  illustrates  that  most  viewers’  embrace  all  reality  television  shows   whether  it  depicts  the  successes  or  failures  of  others.        

Reality  television  can  serve  as  different  purposes  such  as  incentive,  advice,  

insight,  or  pure  entertainment  for  a  quick  escape  from  life.    Hence  reality  television   being  “real,”  it  is  easier  for  us  to  relate  to  the  individuals  involved  in  these  shows   through  similar  issues,  environment,  job,  or  families.    But  the  TV  personalities   depicted  on  these  reality  shows  may  be  exaggerated  or  even  understated  and  turn   out  to  really  not  be  who  you  have  been  watching  all  along.      

       

 

Figure  1:  Info  graphic  on  Reality  TV  By  The  Numbers  

  (Citation  for  Figure  1  is  located  on  the  bottom  of  visual)  

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C.    Problem    

“For  many,  reality  television  is  the  lowest  form  of  entertainment,  an  insult  to  

our  collective  intelligence.    In  their  view,  reality  TV  lauds  crass  behavior  and  creates   a  voyeuristic  peep  show.    It  glorifies  abuse,  elevates  shallow  personalities  and   promotes  dysfunctional  relationships”  (Perritano,  2011).    It  is  sad  to  say,  but   watching  other  people  make  fools  out  of  themselves  or  get  humiliated  is  not  only   what  is  found  to  be  entertaining  but  it  is  also  profitable.    The  rise  of  reality  television   is  mostly  responsible  financially  because  of  inexpensive  production  and  higher   revenues.    That  being  said,  the  powers  that  be  (producers  and  directors)  behind  the   scenes  of  the  reality  shows  will  go  to  extreme  measures  as  far  as  fabricating   personalities  on  the  show  and  making  them  more  into  “characters”  in  order  to  keep   high  viewership.        

“Nearly  all  reality  shows  aren’t  real.    Conceits,  editing,  casting,  storytelling,  

shooting.    They’re  not  intended  to  shed  beacons  of  light  and  truth”  (Guttentag,   2008).    When  cast  personalities  are  fabricated,  general  ideas  are  made;  and  when   general  ideas  are  made,  stereotypes  are  formed.    These  stereotypes  can  lead  us  to   judge  the  “real”  individuals  of  our  lives  based  on  what  we  see  on  television.    And   ultimately,  can  effect  how  we  live  our  lives  in  society.    

     

 

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D.    Proposed  Solution    

The  obvious  solution  to  eliminate  all  reality  television  would  be  impossible  

and  completely  preposterous.    Therefore,  there  can  be  other  solutions  to  the   following  problem.    To  avoid  stereotypes  from  surfacing  due  to  character   generalization,  more  diversity  can  be  incorporated  into  reality  television  shows.     Moreover,  watching  reality  television  can  be  used  positively  instead  of  just  for   entertainment  purposes.    Depending  on  the  type  of  show,  valuable  knowledge  can   actually  be  obtained.    But  the  most  prominent  and  effective  solution  would  be  a   greater  sense  of  viewer  responsibility.        

                 

 

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E.    Questions  Researched    

This  report  will  analyze  a  series  of  questions  to  help  aid  in  determining  the  

types  of  reality  television  shows  common  viewers  enjoy  watching  and  why,  as  well   as  opinions  and  noticeable  trends.    Questions  include  common  demographics  such   as:  What  is  your  gender?  What  is  your  age?  What  is  your  ethnicity/race?  What  is   your  sexual  orientation?    In  addition,  questions  involving  television  viewership   included:  On  average,  how  many  hours  of  television  do  you  watch  a  week?  Among   all  the  television  shows  you  watch,  how  many  are  reality  shows?  Which  of  the   following  types  of  reality  television  shows  have  you  watched?  How  often  have  you   watched  each  reality  television  show  listed  below?  Using  three  words  or  less   (adjectives),  how  would  you  describe  the  casts  for  the  following  reality  television   shows?  

             

 

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F.    Limitations  of  Research    

There  were  a  large  number  of  limitations  when  it  came  to  both  my  primary  

and  secondary  research.    Because  of  time  limit,  access,  and  location,  I  was  not  able  to   retrieve  a  broader  amount  of  replies  for  my  primary  research  questionnaire.    I  was   limited  to  twenty-­‐five  participants  of  my  survey,  which  consisted  of    mostly  friends   and  schoolmates  relatively  the  same  age.    Allotted  more  time,  I  would  have  liked  to   survey  a  more  diverse  group  of  individuals  including    a  larger  number  of  older   individuals.    In  addition,  a  few  more  questions  added  to  my  survey  to  further  my   research  would  have  been  desired.        

As  for  my  secondary  research,  I  had  difficulty  finding  the  most  acceptable  

sources  for  my  topic.    My  topic  was  broad  which  make  it  difficult  to  narrow  down  to   one  main  idea  while  finding  the  perfect  sources  to    my  investigation.     Moreover,  a  secondary  source  I  was  restricted  on  using  were  the  Nielsen  Ratings.    If   given  the  access  to  this  formidable  data,  it  would  help  by  pointing  out  specific  trends   and  patterns  in  correlation  with  my  survey  results.  

         

 

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II. Methodology  and  Resources   A.    Primary  Research  -­‐  Questionnaire    

To  gather  primary  information,  a  survey  was  istered  to  those  

individuals  available  and  most  convenient  at  the  time.    On  that  ,  twenty-­‐five   questionnaires  were  distributed  during  the  month  of  November  2012.    The   participants  were  selected  merely  based  on  locality  and  time.    These  individuals   ranged  from  a  wide  base  including  close  friends,  relatives,  schoolmates,  and  co-­‐ workers.    All  participants  were  first  asked  the  question,  “Do  you  watch  television?”   before  beginning  the  survey.    All  answers  in  return  were  “yes”  which  strengthened   my  target  audience  of  television  viewers  in  my  research.        

Once  the  questionnaire  was  given  to  the  individual,  I  gave  an  allotted  five  to  

ten  minutes  to  completely  answer  all  questions  fully  and  truthfully.    The  survey   began  with  common  demographics  questions  including  gender,  age,  race,  and  sexual   orientation.    Next,  questions  were  asked  regarding  their  viewership  on  reality   television  such  as  how  many  hours  do  you  spend  watching  television  and  how  many   reality  television  shows  do  you  watch?    The  survey  ended  with  a  final  opinion   question  asking  to  describe  the  casts  of  several  reality  television  shows  using  only   three  (adjective)  words  or  less.      

   

 

 

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B.    Secondary  Research  –  Outside  Data  Collection    

All  information  was  obtained  through  personal  experience  and  multiple  

sources.    These  sources  ranged  from  newspaper  articles,  video  presentations,  and   online  blogs.    All  sources  were  designated  by  highly  experienced  professionals  who   have  the  proper  knowledge  to  speak  about  their  given  matter.    The  collected  data   from  the  secondary  research  was  used  to    certain  arguments  in  my  research.     The  data  helped  strengthen  the  credibility  of  particular  issues,  both  positive  and   negative,  to  further  progress  the  research  of  this  report.                            

 

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III.

Results  and  Discussion  

A.    Survey  Results  -­‐  Questionnaire    

The  results  of  the  survey  provided  enlightening  statistics  and  data  that  

showcased  multiple  trends  in  the  viewership  of  reality  television.    One  important   trend  observed  from  the  data  was  the  larger  number  of  females  over  males  who  not   only  watched  more  television  a  week  but  also  higher  number  of  reality  television   shows.        That  being  said,  a  probable  conclusion  that  can  be  made  is  females  are   more  affected  by  television  than  males.    Female  viewers  tend  to  be  more   emotionally  invested  to  particular  shows  and  are  more  greatly  influenced  to  what   they  watch.    In  relation,  when  it  comes  to  age,  the  younger  demographic  (16-­‐25)   spends  more  time  watching  television  and  reality  shows  when  compared  to  older   viewers.    Reality  television  under  the  category  of  competition  and  documentary  in   likes  of  American  Idol,  The  Jersey  Shore,  and  The  Real  World  displayed  being   watched  most  by  this  demographic.        

In  addition,  a  somewhat  obvious  trend  pointed  out  was  competition  based  

shows  being  the  most  popular  among  all  questionnaires.    Shows  like  American  Idol   and  Survivor  were  commonly  answered  as  “Watch  Religiously,”  while  related  shows   like  Dancing  With  The  Stars  and  The  Voice  were  filled  in  under  ‘Other’  and  marked   with  the  same  answer.    This  statistic  may  be  obvious  as  these  types  of  competition   based  reality  shows  are  often  the  ones  who  score  big  with  ratings  and  viewership   throughout  the  television  season.  

   

16   Another  trend  this  research  provided  was  the  correlation  between  gender  

and  types  of  reality  television  shows  watched.    It  was  proved  that  dating-­‐based  and   self-­‐improvement  shows  were  more  favored  towards  females,  competition  shows   more  towards  male,  and  documentary-­‐style  a  split  between  both.    The  overall   results  drawn  from  these  trends  and  patterns  is  that  viewers  that  relate  most  to  the   “characters”  of  a  specific  show  are  influenced  most  by  that  show.    For  example,  a   show  like  The  Jersey  Shore  that  depicts  the  outgoing  fun  lives  of  twenty-­‐something’s   is  watched  most  by  that  very  demographic  (16-­‐25).    Viewers  find  most  entertaining   the  reality  shows  where  they  find  themselves  most  in.  They  enjoy  watching  the   depiction  of  these  lives  whether  it  is  a  positive  or  a  negative  representation  of  a   similar  lifestyle  the  TV  viewer  may  have.        

Probably  the  most  pivotal  part  of  the  questionnaire  was  the  data  collected  

from  the  final  question  asking  to  describe  the  casts  in  specific  reality  television   shows  using  only  three  words  (adjectives)  or  less.    The  results  gathered  were   astounding.      It  was  amazing  to  see  how  many  individuals  agreed  with  the  same  or   similar  words  when  describing  the  casts.    A  show  like  The  Jersey  Shore  had  the  cast   described  as:  uneducated,  alcoholics,  dramatic,  obnoxious,  and  superficial.    With   these  labels  describing  The  Jersey  Shore  cast  who  are  dominantly  Italian  and  from   the  New  Jersey  area,  it  can  lead  to  the  generalization  of  these  groups  ultimately   leading  to  stereotypes.    Moreover,  a  show  like  Teen  Mom  was  described  as   irresponsible,  troubled,  and  immature.    These    can  lead  viewers  to  judge  all   teenage  girls  as  this  from  the  influence  of  merely  watching  the  show.    All  in  all,  the  

 

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way  viewers  see  the  characters  of  a  reality  television  show  are  the  true  depictions  of   how  they  are  on  the  show.                                

 

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Figure  2:  Survey  Results-­‐  Description  of  Cast  (The  Jersey  Shore)

  Figure  3:  Survey  Results-­‐  Description  of  Cast  (The  Real  Housewives)

  Figure  4:  Survey  Results-­‐  Description  of  Cast  (Teen  Mom)

  (Figures  2,  3,  4  were  generated  using  Microsoft  Power  Point)  

 

 

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B.    Results  of  Secondary  Research    

Through  secondary  research,  I  was  able  to  make  much  more  conclusions  

when  it  came  to  the  issue  at  hand.    “Reality  has  largely  gotten  a    because  it   ostensibly  reflects  “reality”  –  overlooking  how  participants  are  depicted  as   “characters”  in  much  the  way  fictional  personalities  are”  (Lowry,  2010).    With  that   being  said,  it  provides  an  entirely  new  perspective  on  reality  television  and  how  the   ways  it  influences  society  are  less  superficial  than  it  seems.    Watching  various   genres  of  reality  television  myself,  it  is  hard  to  ignore  the  types  of  roles  several   shows  may  have  in  a  common.    The  outspoken  teenager,  the  quiet  and  shy,  the   insecure  gay,  or  the  sexually  active  are  all  typical  roles  that  can  be  commonly  seen   on  reality  television.    “A  less-­‐settling  prospect  is  that  less-­‐educated  audiences  are   also  tuning  in,  and  perhaps  drawing  unflattering  conclusions  based  on  narrow   stereotypes”  (Lowry,  2010).    Many  reality  television  shows  today  are  beginning  to   be  perceived  as  false  due  to  the  power  and  control  that  television  has  today.     Producers  of  reality  television  will  “create  a  character  for  her[self]  (or  himself)  to   play  to  merely  increase  ratings.    She  (or  he)  would  be  that  archetype  role  no  matter   who  she  (or  he)  truly  was”  (Guttentag,  2008).    These  predetermined  roles  are  used   to  fulfill  any  gaps  the  show  may  have  whether  it  is  a  gender  or  racial  related  role.    All   these  falsifications  made  are  merely  for  the  fulfillment  of  viewers.  

   

 

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IV.

Conclusion  and  Recommendation  

A.    Review  and  Recap    

“Reality  TV  is  influencing  our  lives  –  whether  we  watch  or  not”  (Perritano,  

2011).    Reality  television  has  been  affecting  our  lives  since  its  first  emergence  and   will  continue  to  do  so  today  and  in  the  future.    Reality  television  has  become  a  part   of  our  lifestyle  and  “has  slithered  into  our  culture”  (Perritano,  2011).    Although   reality  television  may  promote  the  worst  values  and  qualities  in  people  and  glorify   the  failures,  some  may  convey  a  positive  message  and  actually  be  used  for  self-­‐ improvement.      Reality  television  is  actually  just  giving  the  viewers  what  they  want,   (Taylor,  2011)  having  their  wishes  fulfilled  on  the  television  (Guttentag,  2008).     Reality  television  having  such  characters  who  find  true  love,  become  a  notable  star,   or  an  instant  millionaire  gives  viewers  the  opportunity  to  live  their  dreams   vicariously  from  the  other  side  of  the  box.                

 

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B.    Solution  and  Recommendations    

One  solution  I  recommend  which  I  originally  proposed  earlier  would  be  to  

further  diversify  the  cast  involved  in  reality  television.    To  avoid  any  stereotypes  or   obvious  predetermined  roles,  unique  and  unexpected  individuals  should  be  casted.     With  more  diverse  personalities  on  reality  television,  it  will  potentially  eliminate   any  more  stereotypes  and  create  a  new  dynamic  for  the  show.    Moreover,  mixing   people  of  different  genders,  races,  sexual  orientation  and  cultures  will  create  a  more   positive  relation  between  the  show  and  its  viewers.    

Another  logical  solution  would  simply  be  viewer  responsibility  on  what  kinds  

of  reality  television  they  choose  to  watch.    You  can  continue  to  watch  shows  merely   for  the  mishaps  and  tribulations  of  life  or  be  informed  by  the  positive  messages   reality  TV  may  have.    A  show  like  The  Biggest  Loser  may  display  obesity  but  it   “convey(s)  important  information  about  diet,  weight  loss,  health  and  fitness”   (Perritano,  2011).    Moreover,  shows  like  Hoarders  or  True  Life  can  serve  as   informative  to  individuals  with  similar  behavior  or  as  public  awareness  to  the   population.                  

 

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C.    Next  Steps    

Just  imagine,  “What  if  reality  TV  was  actual  reality?”    Keep  in  mind  as  

viewers,  that  what  you  are  watching  is  not  always  real  life.    Do  not  always  allow   yourself  to  fully  invest  in  the  characters  and  stories  depicted  on  these  shows  as  they   can  all  just  be  a  fabrication.    Have  control  on  what  you  watch  and  do  not  let  it  greatly   affect  your  judgments  about  other  individuals.    ,  reality  television  is  not   going  anywhere  and  it  is  here  to  stay  –  for  a  very  long,  long  time.    It  will  continue  to   affect  not  only  society  but  also  every  individual  internally  and  emotionally  who   watches.    So  make  a  difference  while  you  have  the  chance  and  try  not  to  get   brainwashed!                    

 

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References   Carter,  Bill.  "Tired  of  Reality  TV,  but  Still  Tuning  In."  The  New  York  Times.                                    September  13,  2010.  (December  2012).                                      http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/13/business/media/13reality.html   Guttentag,  Bill.  "Why  are  Reality  TV  Shows  So  Popular?"  March  19,  2008.  Online                                video  clip.  You  Tube.  Accessed  on  November  2012.     Perritano,  John.  "What  is  reality  TV's  influence  on  culture?"  How  Stuff  Works.  April                                2011.  (October,  2012).  http://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-­‐                              traditions/tv-­‐and-­‐culture/reality-­‐tvs-­‐influence-­‐on-­‐culture.htm   PBS.  "An  American  Family."  (December,  2012).  http://www.pbs.org/lanceloud/                              american/   Taylor,  Jim.  "Reality  TV  is  NOT  Reality."  Hartford  Courant.  Jan.  31,  2011.  (November,                                2012).http://blog.ctnews.com/taylor/2011/01/31/reality-­‐tv-­‐is-­‐not-­‐reality/