Analysis: Reality TV's Effect on Viewers

To me, watching these shows makes me feel like I am in a dreamlike state because I return to watch new events unfold every week and understand the casts’ lifestyle, yet there is no personal connection. Is it unhealthy to be involved in lives that are not our own? Should we be more productive, or is this time just a well-deserved break from our own realities?

I used the very first post on two different blogs to find a deeper purpose behind reality TV shows, as opposed to getting acquainted with one TV show in particular. Both of the blogs have very similar blog titles and mention the concepts of “money” and “instant fame”, yet the first post title is lackluster.   

“Conclusion” http://advpopculture.wordpress.com/

The simple claim that reality television has a “strong influence” on viewers is relatively successful, despite its short length, mainly because the blogger provides an ethos appeal right away and gives that person recognition by citing them. One of the author’s peers, Marcel Danesi, shares that the lure of reality TV lies in the fact that they are unscripted and therefore, “fun” to predict. Throughout their blog, the author describes their writing approach as a “popular culture lens of representation”. Through this vivid imagery or pathos appeal, the reader is encouraged to continue reading this blog and is curious as to how the author thinks these TV casts can represent today’s culture.

“Money and Fame” http://ramizapopularculture.blogspot.com/

The author’s idea that reality TV shows draw “millions” of ordinary people in because the cast members are “ordinary people” as well is probably a bit more convincing than the “Conclusion” post because the author’s personal anecdote or ethos appeal gives this second post more of a tone. The author refers to themselves as a “reality T.V. junkie”, giving the post a friendly feel because they are telling the audience a secret. We may be able to infer that people who religiously tune into reality TV, much like the author, is the intended audience. Explaining why “simplified, dumb people get lots of cash” with the example of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, makes this harsh statement appear much more logical. Since Who Wants to Be a Millionaire is a reality show based on “trivia” questions, contestants are partly earning money based on ability rather than just plain luck.