Introduction
A reality show is a section of television programs, which comprise of situations of humor or drama. Usually, the host is an ordinary individual interviewing ordinary people who are presented with a present afterwards. Reality shows have almost become part of the popular culture due to its humorous nature. Realty television shows present a form of reality. Events in the reality shows are overhyped to attract viewership and increase the income accrued for advertisement. Those who act in reality shows are assigned in extraordinary situations in order to portray events in reality.
Popularity of reality shows
The popularity of reality shows is depended on several factors as viewed and explained by different authors. Reality shows have become popular because of the lessons they give to the viewers. Dreyer noted that reality shows are quite significant because they are a tool of political lessons (p.410). He tries to explain the exploration of concepts of alliance behavior, and strategic voting by reality television programs. He further explains that reality shows create interest of politics in the viewers. This is because they show the relevance of politics hence the viewers are left with a desire to investigate on the same phenomena. It is also explained that if reality shows are viewed from a facial perspective, they become educative (Dreyer, p.410). According to Hewitt, the popularity of reality shows has been increased because their content is mostly liked by youth and young children (para. 6). Their interest has been caught by things that are advertised related to sex. He says that realty shows have been found to erode the value of culture in the society because most of them deal with violence and sex (Hewitt, para. 2).
Furthermore, most reality shows have to be replaced with shows that build the moral character of children and promote core values in the society. It can be observed that the reality shows have become popular because of the revenue accrued by those who participate. This has been influenced by some governments allowing the television stations to make advertisements which have led to a greater expansion of the industry. Also, the reality television programs have been popular because of some authorities trying to filter out political overtones, which cannot be viewed through news programs. This is because the news program cannot attract viewers hence giving way for reality shows to fill the gap. Again, the popularity of the reality shows has been increased due to their cheap price (Hewitt, para. 4). It has been noted that reality shows are gaining popularity because they are cheaply available. Also, making reality show is not a sophisticated venture (Johnson, para. 6). He further says that reality shows are a major source of new businesses, innovations, and jobs. Also, it has been observed that the popularity of reality shows has been increased because they reveal secrets of people who perform threatening acts in the world. Finally, it has been observed that reality shows educate, entertain, and inform people (Johnson, p.14).
Conclusion
Although reality shows are sometimes viewed as mindless entertainments, they are educative and innovative. This is because most of the things that young men and women put into practice are derived from the television shows. Nonetheless, some of these shows are non-educative or destructive such that they can erode moral values in the society. In such cases, they should be censored. This is because such shows affect the cultural values of the society. The government should control some of the reality show programs that may divert youngsters from the culture. Therefore, reality shows should be encouraged depending on the program being presented and the target viewers.
Works Cited
Dreyer, David R. “Learning from Popular Culture: The “Politics” of Competitive Reality Television Programs.” Political Science & Politics, 44, 2, (2011): 409-413.
Hewitt, Duncan. “Chinese authorities crack down on reality television.” Newsweek. 2012. Web.
Johnson, Luke. Reality TV shows can be a public service. 2012. Web.