Does reality TV have any ill effects on the participants and the viewers? To what extent?

Résumé du document

This literature review deals with the contemporary topic of reality TV. It is particularly focused on the examination of the ill effects of reality TV shows for both contestants and viewers. The study found out that the appeal which encourages people to participate in such shows is the search for fame. It also underlined the fact that the relationship between reality TV and those who watch it was based on unhealthy motivations such as voyeurism or fake social life. Lastly, this study pointed out the disastrous consequences of reality TV, particularly on contestants which experimented psychological damages caused by unethical treatments. Television, since its beginning, has experimented various stages. From 1950 to 1970, the objective of television was to give essential knowledge to the viewers as a teacher to pupils. Then from 1980 to 1990, television became public-orientated and intimacy appeared more and more often in TV shows.

Extraits

[...] As this essay has shown, reality TV has effects on both participants and viewers, and most of the authors assert that consequences are desastrous. Indeed, to summarize the reasons why they participate in such games or why they watch it, authors agree that the two main elements, voyeurism and search for glory can only lead to damaging effects on participants and viewers. Nevertheless, due to the novelty of this topic, this essay points out a deep lack of research on reality TV. [...]

[...] Does reality TV has any ill effects on the participants and the viewers? Abstract: This literature review deals with the contemporary topic of reality TV. It is particularly focused on the examination of the ill effects of reality TV shows for both contestants and viewers. The study found out that the appeal which encourages people to participate in such shows is the search for fame. It also underlined the fact that the relationship between reality TV and those who watch it was based on unhealthy motivations such as voyeurism or fake social life. [...]

[...] Regarding what happen during and after the reality TV show, authors studied the various consequences that reality TV had on both participants and viewers. In the case of viewers, authors' point of views differ : from one hand these shows would have positive effects on audience whereas on the other hand watching these programmes would be destructive. Gillan (2005) and Roscoe (2004) concur in the idea that viewers don't have to be seen as mere victims of bad taste when watching reality TV but as a “savvy audience” who knows exactly how producers manipulate the game. [...]

[...] Brenton, S. (2003). Shooting people : adventures in reality TV. London : Verso. Gillan, J. (2005). From Ozzie Nelsen to Ozzy Obsbourne : the genesis and development of the reality star sitcom. In Holmes, S., Jermyn, D. (Eds.). Understanding reality television. London : Routledge. Hill, A. (2005). [...]

[...] Does reality TV has any ill effects on the contestants and the viewers ? if so, to what extent ? First, the reasons why contestants take part in such shows have been suggested by Brenton (2005). For him, contestants decide to enter Big Brother or similar reality TV games looking for fame only : “famous for being famous”. McVey (2004), psychologist and consultant for reality TV show Castaway, shares Brenton's view that contestants enter the game for the fame and the fortune they hope for. [...]