Verified Document

Reality Television Programs Have Been Term Paper

It is true that reality television programs have effectively grabbed the public, including the kids attentions. While interest groups do not believe that violence and sex in television programs have any effect on the public, especially kids, the research has shown that the programming contents are highly effective in influencing the behavior of kids. For example, in watching Springer show, many children think that shouting, disrespecting, abusing is common, and some, if not guided by their parents or guardians, misbehave in front of public. Second, as the content of sexual contents and violence is increasing, a large part of American culture is becoming less tolerant and civilized because reality television programs usually expose the weak behavior not the strong behavior of the people (Palmer, 56)

Research has shown that kids that watch shows with violence without parental advice are less sensitive to the pain and suffering of others; more fearful of the world around them; more likely to behave in aggressive or harmful ways toward others; and less aroused by violent scenes than are those who only watch a little. The research also found that those who watched a violent program instead of a nonviolent one were slower to intervene or to call for help when, a little later, they saw younger children fighting or playing destructively (Libert, 114-129).

Empirical research on framing effects proves that main portrayal genres reality entertainment programs make use of victim blaming and scapegoat sentiments in the viewer. This kind of programs while may catch the attention of the viewers, it generates wrong ideas in the minds of kids, hoping that they can blame someone else for their failures in life.

Although freedom of press is important, censuring television programs is not the answer of avoiding public...

However, as a precaution, where watching television becomes an addiction for kids, parents should be watchful of their kids behaviors and should make careful judgment what kinds of programs their kids should watch and what they should watch. If possible, they should make a habit watching some quality programs with their kids.
In sum, while research shows that television programming has high level of influence on the behavior of kids, but parents can play an enormous role in clarifying with their kids what is real, what is unreal, and how should they behave in the actual life.

When they see a violent incident, parents can discuss with their child what caused the character to act in a violent way. They should also point out that this kind of behavior is not characteristic, not the way adults usually solve their problems. They parents should also restrict their children's viewing to shows that are too offensive and sleazy.

Finally, there is no doubt that children get addicted to television programming. Therefore, parents set limit the amount of time children spend watching television, so that they spend their time on sports, hobbies, or with friends.

References

Doyle, a. Cops: Television Policing as Policing Reality. In Mark Fishman and Gray Cavender (Eds.) Entertaining Crime: Television Reality Programs. New York: Aldine de Gruyter. pp.. 95-116, 1998.

Glynn, K. Tabloid Culture. Trash Taste, Popular Power, and the Transformation of American Television. Durham and London: Duke Univ. Press, 2000.

Liebert, R.M. The Early Window: Effects of Television on Children and Youth. New York: Pergamon, 1988.

Palmer, E.L. Television and America's Children: A Crisis of Neglect. New York: Oxford University Press, 1988.

Sources used in this document:
References

Doyle, a. Cops: Television Policing as Policing Reality. In Mark Fishman and Gray Cavender (Eds.) Entertaining Crime: Television Reality Programs. New York: Aldine de Gruyter. pp.. 95-116, 1998.

Glynn, K. Tabloid Culture. Trash Taste, Popular Power, and the Transformation of American Television. Durham and London: Duke Univ. Press, 2000.

Liebert, R.M. The Early Window: Effects of Television on Children and Youth. New York: Pergamon, 1988.

Palmer, E.L. Television and America's Children: A Crisis of Neglect. New York: Oxford University Press, 1988.
Cite this Document:
Copy Bibliography Citation

Related Documents

Reality Television
Words: 1961 Length: 5 Document Type: Research Paper

Reality Television Television: the ever evolving medium: Television's growth as an edutainment medium has been phenomenal. In societies that are more developed, TV adores the living room of almost every household. TV viewing has been the leading recreational activity for majority of population with U.S. household reported to be glued to their TV sets for almost seven hours daily on an average. Even though TV ownership in Asia and Latin America are

Reality Television: A Media Psychological Literature Review
Words: 1431 Length: 4 Document Type: Research Proposal

Reality Television: A Media Psychological Literature Review Media Psychology The research will examine and study aspects of reality television programming from a media psychological perspective and with media psychological methods. The following literature review serves as a context within which the reader and the research will consider the topics. The aim is to outline current and relevant knowledge of the affects of psychological affects of reality television program upon viewers/consumers. Through the

Reality Television, Though Often Deliberately
Words: 648 Length: 2 Document Type: Essay

Individuals watching these types of rejections receive guilty pleasure from something they feel that they shouldn't be watching (Reality television). Also, relating to characters on reality shows helps people to feel better about their own lives and problems (DeWall, 2009). Yes, according to another survey, the ongoing popularity of reality television is due to these shows, unlike other shows such as news programs or sitcoms, allowing the viewers to imagine

Reality Television
Words: 593 Length: 2 Document Type: Term Paper

Reality TV Disclosure and familiarity between the audience and program in reality TV With the prevalence of reality television programming, mass media has become more intrusive and real to the audience: what with the inclusion of so-called 'ordinary people,' audiences have become more acquainted with the rudiments of TV program creation and dynamics. Indeed, the most appealing quality of reality TV programs is that audiences are able to realize the possibility that

Reality TV and Society
Words: 655 Length: 2 Document Type: Essay

Social Identity on Television Keeping up with the Karashians is a reality television program that illustrates several different aspects of social identity as it is conceived of and witnessed in the United States today. One of the most salient factors of social identity that is regularly evinced on this particular television show pertains to notions of class. In fact, one can posit the notion that the very premise of the show

Understanding the Sociological Aspects of Reality TV
Words: 824 Length: 2 Document Type: Essay

Reality Television Many reality television shows go from the ridiculous to the absurd, and that is an understatement. There are ample examples of mindless reality shows, including such inane shows like "Born in the Wild," about couples that want to experience the birthing experience in the great outdoors. This paper zeros in on a sociological view of reality television, including using symbolic interaction theory, functionalism, and conflict theory. Symbolic Interaction and Reality

Sign Up for Unlimited Study Help

Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.

Get Started Now