Problems With Reality TV
Start writing a post
Entertainment

If You Watch Reality TV, You Need A Serious Reality Check

The shows where people have more issues than a comic book store.

664
Reality TV

Whenever we have free time available to relax, we either read a book (often on a Kindle) or watch TV. While it is true that we turn our attention to TV shows to escape the real world, there are several programs that are just bizarre, dumb, and repulsive. It is unclear why teens and young adults would watch these programs with obnoxious people, instead of something informative or educational. The most upsetting thing (besides the fact that these programs exist) is how these shows portray stereotypes and have a negative influence in society.

The days when shows did not need alcohol, drama, pregnancies, or cheaters to get people to watch them are long gone.

In the past, viewers watched sitcoms on channels like ABC and TeenNick. These channels featured programs for families with funny characters, modern settings, and conflict-driven plots. Now the teenagers of those parents are growing up with shows that are the complete opposite.

Teens and young adults who watch reality TV are being exposed to stereotypes and inappropriate behavior. MTV used to display music videos that people could enjoy. Now with advanced technology, millennials are listening to music on electronic devices, and MTV replaced the music videos with televised poison.

According to BBC, the reality TV show "Jersey Shore" stereotypes Italian-Americans and turns the culture into a joke. Like other programs, "Jersey Shore" makes viewers believe that displaying a manipulative, fame-hungry, dramatic, crude, and party-obsessed cast is somehow considered entertainment.

Reality TV is an addiction like drugs, alcohol, video games, and social media.

Just like people can become addicted to vices like drugs, alcohol, and video games, reality TV can be added to that list. The shows are often scripted and they create enough drama to keep attracting viewers to watch more.

These shows often put viewers out of touch with reality. At times it can be difficult trying to figure out which reality TV show is real or fake.

Some of these programs that are real will display stories that are unpredictable, interesting, and emotional. However, the shows that seem to get the most attention are the fake reality shows, where these programs feature actors and scenarios that trick viewers into believing it is all real.

Believe it or not, it is actually possible to succeed in life without wealthy parents and/or a reality show.

Besides portraying stereotypes, reality TV gives the impression that success comes from having money, looking attractive, and being carefree. There are also secrets that the producers of these shows keep hidden from viewers.

More of these reality TV shows are being created yearly, and it's messed up knowing that many young Americans recognize the people on these programs more than famous icons of history and science. If television viewers that watch these absurd shows ever want a real dose of reality, they should turn off the TV and either read a newspaper or look out their window.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58998
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

38094
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959588
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

196198
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments