Case study on impact of Reality TV on youth

A Case Study on Reality Television and its impact

By:
Akanksha Jain
2013BBA005
Jagran Lakecity University, Bhopal

Introduction
Today for several people, television is one of the prime sources of information and entertainment. It is a door which takes you to a different world; a chance to see people, places, and things that one may not have experienced straight from the horse's mouth. It is one powerful medium that both imitates and influences culture. In an increasingly global society, television shapes society’s perception of the world.

People have somehow reached a saturation point watching the never ending melodramatic daily soaps and so the idea of reality shows has sprung up. Reality television, they say, breaks the monotony by creating attention-grabbing concepts.

Case Background
The Indian Reality Shows have flourished themselves in various fields such as singing, dancing, comedy, quiz, modeling, hard core stunts and many other talents. Indians are high on the emotional quotient and anything that strikes the emotional chord is an instant hit in India. And in a country like India where illiteracy, poverty and cultural backwardness has ramped the society, the entertainment industry plays an important role in framing the present society.
Reality Television Programs.
Agreed they give a few people a certain kind of exposure.
Agreed they give a man fame within mere fifteen minutes.
Agreed they entertain people.

But are they really worth it?

The main objectives of the study is to identify the various types of television programs watched by the respondents, understand the popularity of various reality shows and study the impact of reality shows on society.

Problem Identification

Reality shows demonstrate to be trump cards of the producers and in a quest for ratings and media coverage, shows are becoming filthier and offensive; trying to find new ways to shock the audience.

Misleading youth : Things like crime, glamour etc are showcased and while watching these shows the youth gets involved in the fantasy of that character and try to be like that in their day to day life
Degrading personality: The increasing trend of using vulgar language motivates the youth to do the same.
So called beautiful: Images of thin young bodies link to signs of unhealthy eating habits, depression and low self-esteem- including fasting, skipping meals, excessive exercise, laxative abuse etc. The youth is having this pressure to be thin and so called beautiful.
Turning kids violent: Seeing violence desensitizes their mind in thinking it is acceptable and normal.
Putting children’s future in danger: Undoubtedly shows like Sa re ga ma lill champs and choote ustad are receiving huge amount of viewers but the future of the kids participating is in danger as they lose their valuable schooling.
Blind belief: The lure of instant fame is making teenagers abandon their chances of a good education to become a star on reality television.

Discussion

Are we really aware of what we are watching?

Do we ever give a thought to how it is degrading our society?

What will be the impact of such shows on the youth of our country?
These questions call for investigations of reality-based programs based on the assumption that such programs may implicate a network of social, economic, and political changes in modern society and hence the study attempts to determine impact of reality shows on the society.

Below are the stats

Table 1: Age and Occupation of the Respondents

Age (in years)
Occupation
Respondents
Percent
Under 18
School Students
5
10.0
18-34
College Students & Young adults
25
50.0
35-60
Elder working class
20
40.0
Total

50
100.0

Table 2: Rating of most watched Reality Shows
1 = very poor
2 = poor
3 = average
4 = good
5 = excellent
Stats show that youth prefer shows like big boss and roadies over kbc and did etc.

Table 3: Impact of Reality Shows on respondents

Popularity

Tells how low reality TV has fallen

The negative effect

Alternative Solution

Special boards to stop vulgarities.
Parents should have a check on their kids so that their child will learn to have a balance between his studies and entertainment.
The time slots to watch educational reality shows should be generally later in the evening.
Young people must understand that watching is one thing and implementing what you've seen on the screen is a totally different one. And it has bad results too.
Promote reading as visual entertainment overcasts reading it is leading to a less intellectual and transforming into a brutal capitalistic society.

Conclusion
Consider the scenario of the Indian television around nine-ten years before. What comes to our mind when we think of it? I guess effortless graceful pure entertainment was the main focus of Indian television of that time. Reality shows brought a fresh lease of life from the boring and repetitive serials but the situation has got worse now. The quality of material being showcased has fallen down. With shows like Big Boss, MTV Roadies, Emotional Attyachaar ruling the TRP ratings, it is time to analyze the consequences. Moral aspects are left out and an India with morally degrading youth is on the verge of emergence. The audience doesn’t realize how these reality shows are affecting society and how it is compromising there well being and self worth. If you ask me, don’t count on this country being a powerhouse much longer if this is what they are feeding the youth.

Recommendation

Reality shows are efforts to wrap up a show according to the tastes and outlooks of the target audience while sustaining the impression that those things are happening without prior plan.
If the society craves filth and abusive language like an addict craves from drugs; then the society should be blamed for shooting itself in the foot.

I highly recommend for people to open up their minds and give it a thought.

Together we can frame the society!