Reality TV has evolved since the advent of television in the 1940s. These shows ranged from hidden camera shows like Candid Camera to today’s similar TV show Punk’d. In the 1950s there were talent search shows such as Original Amateur Hour and Talent Scouts much like today’s Making the Band and American Idol. Although these types of reality shows are appealing to some, young teen girls, according to research, prefer to watch shows that provide more excitement, drama, romance and essentially, just plain bullying.
Youth are turning into Reality TV Bullies (RTVB). A recent report shows that most students are bullied because of their looks, body size or both. Reality shows are teaching young people how to bully; that being superficial is important; and that violence is the means of getting your own way and solving problems. The recent study conducted by the Girl Scouts also reveal that most girls who watch Reality TV think that it is real and not scripted.
Some of the most popular reality shows that children are watching or participating in are Toddlers and Tiaras, Dance Moms, Jersey Shore, Real Housewives, Love & Hip Hop and Basketball Wives. These shows are entertaining; but can young people differentiate between what is real and what is fiction? Through these shows they are exposed to violence, mob mentality, torment, threatening and constant bullying. What the viewers, especially the children do not understand is that much of the reality show is scripted, however some is not. What we must keep in mind is that like any other television program reality shows are big business. What this means is that faithful viewership is needed to keep ratings, sponsorships and to keep the show on the air. Therefore, often sensationalism and product placement is used to gain and keep the attention of the viewers.
The shocking material and attractive product placement utilized in reality shows are teaching young people that physical fighting and being disrespectful is the way to success. For example, bullying is even being done by youngsters against their own moms. An eight-year-old on Tiaras and Toddlers told her mom to slow down before she hit her. The owner of the dance studio on Dance Moms belittles and screams at her children dancers and their moms on every show. Kids witness week after week mental and physical violence and humiliation while watching Jersey Shore. This is teaching young people that bullying is acceptable and a normal way of life.
According to a recent study regular viewers of reality television programming are more likely to expect to have a high degree of aggression, violence, drama and bullying in their own lives similar to what they see on TV. On reality shows such as Real Housewives, Love & Hip Hop and Basketball Wives the youth see women lying, gossiping, cat fighting and betrayal, with a concentration on physical appearance and possessions. They see couples cheating, lying and arguing. This may give them the idea that being in an unhealthy romantic relationship is okay. One member of the Real Housewives cast suggests Reality TV has created a whole new culture of bullying.
Reality shows although not all negative are setting an example of aggression, meanness and bullying for young people especially girls. Since reality television is not new, has been around since the inception of television we must come to a balance. We must let young people know that Reality TV shows do not represent total reality; that much of the show is scripted for financial and rating purposes. Parents, do not let your child be a Reality TV Bully (RTVB), get your kids out from in front of the TV if this is not possible be sure to discuss the shows with them and remind them that Reality TV is not real. Youth must be taught that real life is not a reality show.
To read more about Reality TV and bullying click below:
http://www.girlscouts.org/research/pdf/real_to_me_factsheet.pdf
http://killingourkids.com/category/bullying-2/
http://blog.syracuse.com/entertainment/2011/11/does_reality_tv_encourage_bull.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/02/real-housewives-star-bullying_n...
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