Reality check

The whole world seems obsessed with reality TV, whether they’re addicted to it or just can’t stand it but everyone seems to have an opinion.

Let’s face it, 'reality' sells, the likes of the Kardashains have made their millions and continue to make even more from product endorsements due to their new found fame. So is it just a good marketing tool, a good way to make money. I highly doubt most normal people’s lives would sell, for example, who would want to watch me go to lectures and the library!?

 'Reality TV' begs the question of whether it is strictly speaking 'reality'. There was controversy surrounding whether 'The Hills' was scripted and the situations on TOWIE are carefully engineered, placing characters together in certain places to make sure something 'interesting' occurs. But why are we all so interested?

Maybe it is a development in the media, since the creation of the internet and the increase in social networking it is becoming easier and easier to look into other people’s lives. Many a time “did you see what Mrs X put on facebook” will come up in a conversation. Almost everyone likes a gossip and to give their opinion (and advice) on others lives, so cold reality TV be filling our desire to know more about others?

Perhaps. After all it is human nature to be curious about others. We all want to know more about different people and the new phenomenon of celebrity culture is certainly fueling this. Maybe we want more from our own lives and need to be inspired? or perhaps we are curious about other types of people? or want to see the human side of a celebrity?

The famous saying is "the grass is always greener on the other side", maybe Reality TV is the 'try before you buy' version of this. However at the end of the day, no matter how many hours or different shows you watch, what I've learned most is that we humans are all the same. The majority of people have the same worries and same issues and will meet the same types of people in their lives, no matter how you dress it up
.
Whatever people’s reasons are for watching, one thing is certain, reality TV seems here to only be on the increase all around the world. It is pretty harmless really, as long as people don’t aspire or expect to be famous for fame sake its fine! Perhaps it is the modern fusion of documentary together with the natural progression of everyday soaps. Either way it's here to stay!