Reality TV vs. Reality

Some would say that reality TV has little to do with reality. Present an argument in support of, or against this proposition.

In a world that has gone digital, it is hard to separate the real from the virtual. Ever since the domestication of television, there has been an evident change in the structure of not only the household, but, how we utilise our leisure and relaxation time. No longer do we go outside, and make a reality of our own, we experience real life through the screen, which transcends the confines of the television, and has extended onto our computer screens, where episodes, highlights, and even extra footage of our favourite reality television shows are put to air. So, how does “reality” apply to these series? Is what we watch real, or even a reflection of reality? Or, are we just vicariously living through the characters in these shows and creating our own reality?
It is hard to say that the shows we watch are a reality. The situations that a placed upon the people we are watching in reality TV games such as biggest loser, or Australian idol, are not really realistic. How often do you have the opportunity to take 3 months off work to compete in a weight loss game show? The only connections these shows have with reality are that they use real people. Even then, these people are selected from thousands, the shows are partly scripted, such as what you witness in such reality TV series’ as The Hills, and The Osbournes; and what we think are ‘real emotions’ that we are witnessing, is footage that has been shot, and re-shot from all different angles, and the final cut of what we see is an edited version of the real events.
Whilst it may appear that reality lacks a connection with the real, there is the possibility that the reality TV shows we watch create a reality for the viewer. Recently, during the season of Master Chef, you will have noticed how the television show was not restricted to the air time it received on channel Ten. Instead the characters, situations and conversations relating to, or segued from the series reflect on how these shows become embedded in our day-to-day lives. It was also documented that there was a significant rise in sale of kitchen utensils, and request for special order in kitchen equipment as a result of the television reality series.
Whilst the situations/characters/possibility of outcomes in the shows are not necessarily real, there is the reality of life that surrounds the shows. The characters we watch become topic of hot conversation and gossip, as though the people we see were actually one of our close friends. You find people replicating what they see in the series in real life, having been inspired by what they’re watching. So whilst some would say that reality television has little to do with reality, it is fair to say that the shows we watch could have very little to no connection with reality, however, how these shows affect their audiences, is very real.