This summer, hundreds of thousands of people across the world watched Love Island almost every single day (including me). They would come home from work, kick off their shoes, and flip on the newest episode like clockwork. Reality television series make us feel connected with the cast members because we can live vicariously through them, while seeing them encounter the common struggles of day-to-day life that everyone encounters. From watching people try to find deep connections, to watching Mormon moms work on their friendships and understanding their morals, to celebrities overcoming their fears, figuring out their limitations, and making breakthroughs, we see it all.
This specific type of television has had a massive resurgence in the past few years. Streaming services have played a huge role in this resurgence. Instead of sitting down with a bowl of popcorn at 9 pm EST every Tuesday, we can watch our favorite programs anytime, anywhere. Social media has also drastically increased viewership. Seeing behind the scenes of the reality stars’ lives helps their audience connect with the cast members on a more individual level, seeing them as people outside of the heavily edited content playing on our TV.
People flock to reality TV because of our subconscious need to escape our own realities. While we recognize and relate to the struggles, jokes, and emotions on screen, watching someone else’s life helps us disconnect from our own lives for a little while. Outside of showtime, watching cast members live lavish lifestyles provides an escape from the unpleasant aspects of our own realities. I mean, any reason to avoid our homework due tomorrow or calling the doctor’s office to finally schedule that appointment, am I right?
So, these TV cast members seemingly have it all figured out, but what does that do to the average American consumer? Studies have shown that reality TV becoming popular is directly correlated with recessions in the economy. Now, don’t fret – there are still endless opportunities to fulfill your dream; it just may look different than what we are often presented on our televisions. While the economy declines, there tends to be an increase in the amount of time we spend watching others succeed through our television shows. We see some behind-the-scenes moments, but we don’t see it all. Often, there are countless hidden parts of reality TV that we don’t think about. There are thousands (if not more) of dollars poured into the setup, hair, makeup, lighting, mics, props, and overall production of TV. But what really makes these cast members special? Why are we not all easily meeting the level of success these individuals are?
Part of that answer is luck. Sometimes, people go viral on social media platforms for being beautiful, having a good joke or bit, or something more niche within the realm of content they make. Some cast members do make it big because they are entertaining, but that is one small aspect of the culture of reality television. These people, shows, lighting, decoration, outfits, and conversations are carefully crafted for the specific purpose of keeping the viewer entertained. It is in the network’s interest to keep the viewer watching, and these shows are made to keep you as distracted as possible from your own life.
Within this world of going viral, there are cultural expectations that you always feel like you have to reach new heights, try new hobbies, change your hair, and not wear the same outfit twice. Many of the women currently ruling reality television, like Huda Mustafa, Iris Kendall, Alix Earle, and Hilaria Baldwin, have admitted to getting cosmetic surgeries to alter their appearance to better fit society’s standards. While this can help an individual’s confidence, it feeds into the seemingly endless cycle of meeting beauty standards. Watching these wealthy individuals who succeed in the entertainment field, who have very different versions of reality from college students in the southeastern part of Connecticut.
Watching these shows can be a good break from a stressful day, and while they are an easy way to watch other lifestyles, it is usually not reality. These moments, values, and situations can differ from your own, but that is okay. Chasing the crafted ‘American Dream’ seems like a mountain you can climb, a race you can run, and a battle you can overcome. These Love Island characters do eventually have to leave Fiji, these Mormon Wives are experiencing all of the phases of motherhood, and the Dancing With The Stars cast have to take off their tap shoes eventually. Reality television is a glamorized and dramatic world designed to entertain us. Society doesn’t look like how it looks on screen, and it shouldn’t. Enjoy it–it’s meant to be enjoyed–but don’t let it warp your expectations of reality or yourself.
