Gazala Bhoje, International Journal of Research in Engineering, IT and Social Sciences, ISSN 2250-0588,
Impact Factor: 6.452, Volume 07 Issue 11, November 2017, Page 22-28
Effects of Reality Show on Teenagers
Gazala Bhoje
(Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, K.M.E. Society’s G.M. Momin Women’s College, Rais High
School Campus, Bhiwandi, Dist: Thane, India)
Abstract: “Reality shows is the genre of programming in which the everyday routines of “real life” people (as
opposed to fictional characters played by actors) are followed closely by the cameras” (Frisby). In this genre
there are three major categories of shows: game shows, dating shows, and talent shows. The scope of reality
show has increased steadily over the last couple of years, with shows like the “Bachelor” gaining millions
views. With such a large following, it’s no wonder it seems impossible to escape reality television or to even
question how it is these kinds of shows began to captivate audiences.
This can be visualized even Indian television world where a hoard of realty show are gaining popularity and
being director and produced for TRP.
Keywords: Reality shows, Television, Capitalize, Teenagers
History of Reality Shows
In comparison to other kinds of television shows, the history of reality show is quite short. The first
show of its kind didn‘t air until the 1970s, with ―An American Family.‖ The show was produced during a time
of national turmoil regarding cultural, political, and economical issues. As a result, this show was a direct
commentary of the issues troubling America at the time seeing as it ―attacked bourgeois institutions like
marriage, capitalism, and the American dream‖ (Taddeo and Dvorak 84). In a sense, all other reality television
shows would attempt to do the same thing by producing a kind a similar reality for the masses. More than just
set the stage for what reality television was to look like or even encompass, ―An American Family‖ also helped
reveal what the viewer truly wants—drama!
The problem with the production of reality show is that the subjects of these kinds of shows are in
capable of being quite boring. As a result, people need to be coached or their behavior is enhanced through the
use of scripts and editing. ―The end result [of this kind of manipulation] is called ‗enhanced reality‖(Kitman).
The problem with this is that even though the product created by reality TV producers is an ―enhanced reality‖
this is not knowledge that is always given to the public. And it is no surprise that it isn‘t. Audiences don‘t want
to watch fake, scripted events; people want to watch reality--its what captivates us. However, the danger with
this is that it is possible for these shows to promote a false sense of reality in American society. Much like ―An
American Family‖ created a reality that spoke of taboo subjects like divorce and economic standing, shows like
―The Bachelor‖ and ―The Flavor of Love‖ are equally as capable of setting the social agenda.1
I. INTRODUCTION
The Impact of Reality shows viewing and the effects it has on young viewers has been a dominant
topic since 1960‘s.With the ever changing landscape of television programming reality shows has become
increasingly popular especially among teen audiences. This study explores George‘s Cultivation Theory (1998),
which assumes that television has the ability to influence the attitudes and perception of its viewers, and uses it
as a foundation to determine if there is an association between reality shows consumption and the attitude of
teenagers.2
Because of the popularity of reality shows among young people, it is important not only to reaffirm that
teens watch reality shows but to determine the level of how connected they are with those reality shows. The
construct of ―connectedness‖ was developed to measure the level of teen‘s involvement with reality shows. The
higher the connectedness, the more involved viewer is with the show and the characters. Reality shows gives a
―Coherent picture of what exists, what is important, what is related to what, and what is right. In today‘s society
and with the growing use of internet, media is omnipresent making its influence even greater. Despite the
availability of media , a recent Nielsen Study (2009) reports that teenagers still watch reality shows more than
they engage in new media. Therefore the goal of this study is to explore how reality shows influences the
attitudes and behaviours of teenagers .The study will also expose the changes in youngsters trend by watching
reality shows .This type of shows aim to show how ordinary people behave in everyday life, or in situations
often created by the show makers, which are intended to represent everyday life. Reality shows are those shows
that contain ―Producer created environments that control contestant‘s behaviour‖. This show is a genre of
1
scalar.usc.edu/works/reality-tv/the-history-of-reality-television
2
Gerber George, 1998, Cultivation Analysis: An Overview, Mass Communication and Society, Volume-1, issue
3-4
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Gazala Bhoje, International Journal of Research in Engineering, IT and Social Sciences, ISSN 2250-0588,
Impact Factor: 6.452, Volume 07 Issue 11, November 2017, Page 22-28
television programming that presents purportedly unscripted dramatic situation and with individuals who are
often persuaded to act in specific scripted ways off screen ‗story editors‘ with the portrayal of events
manipulated and contrived to create an illusion of reality through direction and post-editing techniques.3
Television companies and producers capitalize off of this interest and try to pitch the show that will gain the
most viewers and highest ratings. Unfortunately, this play turns reality shows into unrealistic, dramatic,
manipulated situations. Those behind the scenes benefit, but to viewers, especially the young naive one‘s, this
tactic can be detrimental to their view of reality. If a show is meant to be based on reality, situations should not
be manipulated. The end result of this kind of manipulation is called ―Enhanced reality‖. 4
Reality shows construct scenarios that demonstrate how certain behaviour can be rewarded and how certain
other punished. The concern is that frequent viewers of these shows will learn from these behaviours, consider
them as desirable and then model them in the actual real world.5
Human Curiosity
Popularity Factors of Reality Shows
There is a saying that says ―Curiosity killed the cat‖ in the current situation curiosity lured the public
which means teens are always willing to know about the unknown mysteries. Of all the entertainment
series we are aware of they think that‘s the end of it. But the producers of the show introduce new
formats, new faces and other unexplored acts. Anything new is bound to be noticed, the same goes with
Entertainment Value
reality shows. This show engrosses and teases the mind into watching them.
Reality shows are filled with drama, shock value, stunts, talents, celebrities and laughter. It fills the
void of human mind bored with conventionally formatted programs. Some series featuring original acts
are applauded because here someone with the best talent gets acknowledged. Here they see what they
haven‘t realized especially the one‘s which are dramatic. Even if the audience are aware of
manipulations, they don‘t mind it as it add spice and zing to their lives.
Aggressive Marketing
One of the major factors of popularity of reality shows is the aggressive marketing. This is clearly
visible in television promos, large hoardings, cover story in magazines and other media. It grabs the
attention of even an uninterested person and that is what the advertisers want and what influences them
Belief in Reality shows
in watching these shows.
Though teens are smart but they can be fooled. There are certain sections of viewers who still believe
that what is being shown is ‗Reality‘ as it matches the normal daily life routines. This notion becomes a
permanent fact in their mind and they find it hard to dismiss it as fake. They perceive the fake act as
Peer Influence
real and shows become their favourite one.
Some just watch these shows just to stay in tune with the current flow of trend. They stay in touch with
these shows so they have something to talk about whenever a conversation occurs or whenever they are
socializing.6
It helps us now the effect of reality shows on youngsters and how does it makes any changes on their
Significance of this Study
We can easily analyse the Positive and Negative effect of reality shows on youngsters.
life style.
It‘s a study of exposure and change in youngster‘s trend by watching reality shows.
This study can efficiently highlight Youngsters behaviour towards reality shows.
Watching of reality shows has affected the personality development and career of the teenagers.
Hypothesis
Reality shows affects the behaviour of the teenagers.
Reality shows can have a negative impact on society.
The first hypothesis is verified as per the data analysis which highlights that 50% of the teens agreed to
Verification of Hypothesis
their studies and hence forth affects their studies.
3
http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/news/2009/time-spent-on-facebook-up-700-but-myspace-still-tops-for-
video.html
4
www.collinsdictionary.com
5
www.ijsse.com
6
[email protected]
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The second hypothesis is verified with the help of data analysis which shows that 51% of the teen
70% of the teens said that reality shows have a bad impact on the society which verifies the third
behaviour is affected by viewing reality shows.
hypothesis.
Area Profile
Bhiwandi is a city located in western state of Maharashtra in India. Bhiwandi is located around 20.3
kilometer away from its district headquarters thane. Bhiwandi city population was a half million in 2001. The
bulk of the population forms the workforce for a number of textile and other industry. The first textile looms
was set up in 1927. Bhiwandi is located in the UTC 5.30 time zone and it follows Indian Standard Time (IST).
Bhiwandi is Manchester of India. Bhiwandi people are using its national currency which is Indian rupee,
Bhiwandi phone and mobiles can be accessed by adding the Indian country dialing code +91 from abroad.
Bhiwandi city, the head quarters of taluka of Bhiwandi comes under the administration of Bhiwandi Nizampur
city Municipal Corporation. The exact geographical location of Bhiwandi is 19.296664 degree N -73.063121
degree E.
Sampling Technique
Teens from SYBA and TYBA are taken as samples in order to carry out the research work
demonstrating the relationship between reality shows and teenagers. The samples taken in the study are 100.
II. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Methods indicate the tools used by the researcher to carry out a study. Survey method and questionnaire is
used in the following research work.
Survey Method
A method of research in which large numbers of people answer questions based on their attitudes and
behaviour. The term survey is often used to mean ‗collect Information‘. Researcher using survey method relies
Questionnaires: A series of written questions for participants to answer. Surveys that use questionnaire
upon information gathered through:-
Interviews: Questions posed to an individual about him or her. This type of survey includes one person
can be completed more quickly and less expensively.
asking another a load of questions.
In survey a study is designed to collect information about a topic and then analyze the collected
information to draw a conclusion. Survey provides highly accurate information. Survey is used for many
purposes. Researcher use this method to measure attitude concerning social issues like political views, poverty
etc. 7
Research Background
Reality shows have caught and maintained the attention of individuals across the nation since the
1980‘s. This new genre has gradually become more popular over the past two decades, steadily increasing in
both quantity and viewership. During the summer of 2003, Carter and Rutenberg reported that no fewer than 25
reality shows were scheduled on television‘s four major broadcast networks and major cables networks were
running at least one reality show. 8 Seven years later, Wyatt wrote that reality shows made up 14% of broadcast
networks prime-time programming, while a much higher percentage accounted for programming on cable
networks.
Reality shows is widely popular among teenagers. In fact, reality shows is the most watched television
genre. According to Nielsen Media Research almost half of the top 10 television programs viewed by teenagers
during the 2005-2006 broadcast seasons were reality shows. Surprisingly, very few researchers have closely
examined the consumption pattern of reality shows on teenagers.9
8
As cited in Hall, 2006.p.191
9
[email protected]
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III. DATA ANALYSIS
Yes 100%
1) Do you watch reality shows?
No 0%
Big Boss 41%
2) Which reality show you watch ?
Splits Villa 9%
Jhalak 4%
Voice India Kids 2%
Khatro Ke Khiladi 1%
9% youngster watch Splits villa, 4% of them watch Big Boss and 4% watch Jhalak and some of them
2% of teens watch Voice India Kids and very few 1% of teens watch Khatro Ke Khiladi
Yes 50%
3) Does it affect your daily routine?
No 50%
50% of teens say yes that watching reality show affect their routine, where as 50% disagree to it.
Yes 50%
4) Does it affect your studies?
No 50%
50% of teens think that watching reality shows affect their studies. Where as the other 50% don‘t think
so.
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Yes 51%
5) Does watching reality show effect your behaviour?
No 49%
51% of the teen‘s behaviour are affected due to reality shows, whereas for 49% it is not so.
Yes 70%
6) Does reality show have a bad impact on society?
No 30%
70% of the teens agree that reality shoes have bad impact on society and 30% disagree to it.
Yes 20%
7) Do you try to imitate contestant in reality show?
No 80%
20% of the youngsters imitate the contestant in reality show and 80% of them do not do so.
Yes 80%
8) Do you spend more time in watching reality shows rather than with your family member?
No 20 %
80% of youngsters spend more time watching reality shows rather than with family members and 20%
doesn‘t seem to do so.
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Yes 60%
9) Does your parents allow you to watch reality shows?
No 40%
60% of the parents allow their children to watch reality shows. Whereas 40% don‘t allow their
children to watch reality shows.
Yes 40%
10) If you get a chance to go in reality shows will you?
No 60%
40% of the teens would like to go in reality shows if they got the chance, whereas 60% are not
interested to go in reality shows.
Yes 30%
11) Do you think reality shows are real in nature?
No 30 %
30% of the youngsters think that reality shows are real in nature where as 70% don‘t think so.
Yes 50%
12) Do you feel reality shows can be seen with family members?
No 50 %
50% of teens believe that reality shows can be seen with family members whereas 50% disagree to it.
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70% says Salman Khan
13) Who are the best host according to you?
17% says Manish Paul
2% says Ranvijay & Sunny
1% says Sughanda & Jay Bhanushali
70% of the teens thinks Salman khan as the best host,17% thinks Manish Paul as the best host, 2%
thinks Ranvijay & Sunny to be the best host and 1% thinks Sughanda and Jay as the best host.
14) What is your opinion about reality shows?
Teens who watch reality shows according to them it is a stress buster for them and it is a source of
entertainment too. Even though they also agree to it that it has bad impact on them and it is a barrier for studies.
Nevertheless they watch it as these shows keep them engage all the time.
Evaluation
In general the result of the study indicates that reality shows influence the attitudes of the teens. The
entertaining value of reality shows decreased its ability to effectively communicate messages about social
aspects or education .This research has attempted to study the role of reality shows, probing the extent the image
reflected by talent contestant shows is affecting teenagers life, and assessing what role this shows play in
motivating and influencing the teenage audience . This research has emphasized on various aspects like how it
affects the relationship between the family members , how it affects their behaviour and being an most
influential medium despite of showing good values and awareness it just provide entertainment leading to bad
impact on society.
It is good if seen for leisure but engaging in it all the time it is bad and therefore it affect studies and
our daily routine. So reality shows are both positive as well as negative impact. It‘s upon us- how we take it.
IV. CONCLUSION
Data collected from this study confirms existing research surrounding reality shows which suggest that
reality shows is only for entertainment purposes and is largely popular among teenagers. Teens who are
watching reality shows are doing so for social reasons – to have common with peers so that they can gather to
discuss the shows. This fact is supported by the types of reality shows students mostly watch. Reality shows has
the ability to influence attitude and shape perception. As reality shows as a powerful medium with reality shows
prominence and appeal ,procedures can use the genre to communicate societal messages of importance and
health address some of the nations Fixable issues- education , for example Reality shows can be utilised to help
raise awareness .10
Limitations to this Study
The data available is primary (oral)
The research on teenagers and reality show has certain limitations. The limitations are as follows:-
The data available is limited and it may not be reliable
Research work is restricted to the teenagers residing in a particular area of Bhiwandi city which does
not give a view for the wide scale impact of reality shows on teenagers.
Direction for Future Research
The focus for the research should be on media and communication and rationality
Sources of Funding of the Study
The funding for this publication is self funded and single authored.
10
Papacharissi.Z.Mendelson. A (2007) An Exploratory Study Of Reality Appeal: Uses And Gratifications Of
Reality Tv Shows. Journal of Uses and Gratifications of Reality Shows.
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