One of the attractions of reality television is the supposed "reality" of it - unscripted and unplanned situations and reactions. One of the ethical problems of reality television is the fact that it isn't nearly as "real" as it pretends to be. At least in dramatic shows one can expect the audience to understand that what they see on the screen doesn't necessarily reflect the reality of the actors' lives; the same, however, cannot be said for heavily edited and contrived scenes on sees on reality shows.
Take the latest Big Brother. Stuff 12 “innocent” people into a house and watch as they recreate something reminiscent of Lord of the Flies. Soon, one member’s sociopathic behaviour is rewarded by making headlines in the tabloids. Vandalism is condoned, swearing is part and parcel of life, and all our brawls treated as sources of comedy and laughter. Not only did the most recent Big Brother contain sex related scenes and racial prejudice, but physical attacks in which the police have got involved. And you wonder why GBH is rife around pubs, and why children are getting suspended from school for deliberately smashing windows?
As I’m sure you are aware of, people, children in particular, love television. A lot of things they see on it will pollute their daily routines. If youngsters enjoy Big Brother and programs of a similar genre- and further see event emblazoned on the papers, no doubt they will adopt the attitudes of some of the savage brutes involved. People may say that these clashes on such shows are staged, by developers trying to create drama and humour, and thus boost up viewer ratings. But isn’t this even more shocking? Crafty manipulators clapping their hands in ecstasy as they marvel over a line which causes friction and arguing. To cap it all off- the antisocial behaviour is actually rewarded, with a large cash prise. “Oh cool” thinks little Jimmy “Do I get some money for throwing plates around the kitchen? And swearing at my classmates?” Once this self-scented, selfish ethos becomes embedded in a child, they can turn out to be a vile, spiteful adult, and mimic the attitudes displayed in the shows.
People claim that they watch reality television as a way of relaxing. Surely there must be more constructive things you could be watching or doing in your time, than slumping in front of the screen with your eyes glued to “I’m a celebrity, get me out of here!” Isn’t waiting in anticipation as to whether Jordan is going to reveal her breasts in the jungle simply moronic? There are plenty of other options on television that can provide enjoyment, such as the countless dramas and detective programs. Even an episode of Eastenders is more enticing than a part of wife swap.
Finally, what about the reality TV viewers? If you watch such shows, why? If you find that you are entertained by the suffering and humiliation of others, that's a problem. Perhaps an occasional instance wouldn't merit comment, but a weekly schedule of such pleasure is another matter entirely.
I suspect that people's ability and willingness to take pleasure in such things may stem from the increasing separation we experience from others around us. The more distant we are from each other as individuals, the more readily we can objectify each other and fail to experience sympathy and empathy when others around us suffer. The fact that we are witnessing events not in front of us but rather on television, where everything is has an unreal and fictional air about it, probably aids in this process as well.
I'm not saying that you should never watch reality TV programming, but the motivations behind being a viewer are ethically suspect. Instead of passively accepting whatever media companies try to feed you, it would be better to take some time to reflect on why such programming is made and why you feel attracted to it. Perhaps you will find that your motivations themselves are not so attractive.
