In every generation there are  new technologies that create a new sensation to the media. For the last 10 years, reality television has taken a hold on America. American’s become mesmerized when watching “real” people go through “real” experiences. As a teenager when the “reality boom” hit, I was suckered into this reality show craze. I was hooked on the “real” California lifestyle, and all the drama that came along with it. Sadly, I’ve been hooked for the last 10 years of my life. I just can’t seem to escape it.

There are millions of people just like me, who know that these “reality” shows are much more scripted than actual reality. So why do we continue to watch and talk about the shows while cheering on new ones?

I believe it is the American fantasy that doomed us from day one. Everyone wants something they can’t have. This is one reason why television became such a sensation to begin with. In television, people can escape their own lives and their own stresses for someone else’s. They can create a new reality. People usually escape into the type of reality show they wish were their own life. It becomes their own personal fantasy.

My reality favorites have always been those of the rich and famous. I started following the kids of Laguna Beach in 2004 and followed the cast as they made their way up to Los Angeles and even New York (where a spin off show was created.) To me, I found comfort in watching kids my own age go through similar experiences with their friends and relationships. However, everything in their world seemed way more glamorous and way more fun.

Some of my other favorite’s reality shows are based on love and romance like The Bachelor and The Bachelorette (this is my fairytale princess fantasy kicking in.) As a young girl, I always hoped for my happy ending with my prince charming. Since my own love life hasn’t found that happy ending (yet!) I’ve turned to television to find my piece of the puzzle.

My reality tv list goes on. I admit,  I am the typical reality-television-loving -girl and I will continue to watch all the shows that strike my fancy even though I know it isn’t “real.” I know firsthand that it isn’t real and yet I’m still sucked in.  I have worked in broadcast and I have a background in producing. I know what goes in to good television and how to get it. I know the truth behind the “reality.” So in this case, I may be the prime example of “idiot America.” But I will admit, there is a thrill that comes along with this “reality” television that I can’t explain.  It’s addicting and partially annoying.

Somewhere deep down inside of me I always hoped that the reality rumors were false. I wanted to believe that the lives of the people I was following were real. In 2007, when the Hollywood writers went on strike, and all my favorite reality shows were not being shown anymore, I knew the rumors were true. I will admit, I was sad even though I knew it along. Yet, reality shows are still amongst the favorite form of entertainment. I am one of those individuals who still crave more. In this case I’m the idiot these producers love.

The media will always be doing things that its viewers won’t always agree with. In some ways, I can see why this whole “reality” television issue irritates people. Some people find it insulting and unethical. But, I believe if reality television isn’t doing anything to hurt anyone, then what’s the harm?

American’s can be dumb from time to time, but we are human. All we want is to feel love, excitement and entertainment. So what if reality television isn’t completely real? Who are we really hurting? I believe if reality television makes you happy and you enjoy watching it then I say go for it. I know I will be!

Tags: Charles Pierce, Idiot America, Mass Communications, Media, Public Relations

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 8th, 2009 at 10:42 am and is filed under Public Relations. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.