
According to the
article, people who participate in reality TV shows are “cast” on the shows,
and given tests to see if their personalities would attract viewers. They are also screened and interviewed to see
if they are psychologically able to handle being on the show. However, if you screen out everyone who has
some sort of personality disorder, it would not make for an entertaining
show. After the show is filmed and the
adoration of the cast members has died down, the participants, especially those
with predisposed mental health conditions, become mentally unstable after
filming the show.
On the side of the viewers, reality TV viewing becomes unhealthy when we begin living vicariously through the TV show participants, and when we don’t need stimulation or activity in our own lives because we are getting it from TV. The article also suggests that our ability to connect with each other authentically and to deal with anger, conflict, and anxiety has been seriously challenged. However, there could be a positive, educational side to reality TV viewing. Certain shows may motivates us to go out and learn a new skill, or learn more about addiction or whatever the focus of the show is.
On the side of the viewers, reality TV viewing becomes unhealthy when we begin living vicariously through the TV show participants, and when we don’t need stimulation or activity in our own lives because we are getting it from TV. The article also suggests that our ability to connect with each other authentically and to deal with anger, conflict, and anxiety has been seriously challenged. However, there could be a positive, educational side to reality TV viewing. Certain shows may motivates us to go out and learn a new skill, or learn more about addiction or whatever the focus of the show is.
So what do you think? Is reality TV a danger to our mental
health, or a harmless means of education and motivation?