Coyote Chronicle CSUSB

The Independent Student Voice of CSUSB Since 1965

Reality Television: How much is too much?

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by Maria Perry |Staff Writer|

Students kill time between classes and hang out by watching some television. Source: Maria Perry (Picture taken with iPhone)
Students kill time between classes and hang out by watching some television.
Source: Maria Perry (Picture taken with iPhone)

Reality television has become a major genre in televised entertainment, a driving force in how we carry ourselves in different social situations and an influence on how we present ourselves as individuals.

It can be problematic if people start to become obsessed with a particular show or character, because they may rely too deeply on the advice or values presented by them.

I believe we find watching reality television relaxing, because it is a form of escape from our own realities by putting ourselves in the reality of the character(s) from a television show, thus changing our own reality temporarily.

Although some of us may not watch as much reality television as others, we may still be indirectly influenced by it, whether through advertisements or social media, or even simply being around the same group of friends frequently.

“I don’t feel like it has affected me in any way,” said student Ammar Haddadi.

“But sometimes, unconsciously, there’s some influences from friends or even other medias that indirectly might have had that effect or influence on me.”

Television doesn’t take much thought from the viewer, because of this many people do not realize that it influences them.

Reality television can be a powerful influence, because it impacts a large audience

“I think it’s too mainstream,” said Andrew Graham, a student. “It’s everywhere and it’s acceptable in a lot of places. You don’t want it to influence people, but it’s everywhere.”

However, the influence that reality television has on us isn’t all bad.

There are some benefits its influence can have on its audience, however.

“One benefit from watching reality television is to know that we’re not as crazy as we might think.” said student Hector Arvizu.

“There are people with much more questionable sanity levels.”

In addition Arvizu said, “One more thing that comes off as a benefit is to obtain some insight as to how other people react to certain situations. It may not be exactly how our situations may turn out, but with the newly obtained knowledge, there is more reason to act in a certain manner knowing what might be one outcome.”

Reality television can be addictive because it gives people the illusion that they are apart of the lives of the people in the television screen said Arivzu.

Thus, reality television can also become an obsession as well.

It becomes an addiction or an obsession when people put all their time and energy into getting more of a single pleasure, such as a reality television show, rather than dividing that time and energy to explore or maintain other things sometimes important endeavors.

We miss important moments in our lives that are overlooked or miss out on because we focus all our energy into a made-up reality.

“If you’d rather watch the show than do anything else, or if it starts to take over your life to the exclusion of other activities, it’s safe to say you’re obsessed,” said student Kathryn Wall.

Although, some may draw inspiration from people in reality television shows we must learn our limits and how to moderate our exposure to reality television.

Reality television may be around for some time, but don’t let it take over your live.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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