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Chinny Kwok from West Island School. Photo: Handout
Reality TV is one of the largest sectors in the television industry, and shows like Too Hot To Handle, RuPaul’s Drag Race and Keeping Up With The Kardashians keep viewers around the world glued to their screens. While many of these shows seem ridiculous, the truth is that they are more than harmless entertainment; studies have shown they can have lasting psychological and behavioural effects.
In 2019, The Mental Health Foundation surveyed 4,500 adults in the UK about the impact Love Island, a reality TV dating show, had on viewers. They found that around 25 per cent of people aged 18- 24 said reality TV made them worry about their body image, and more than one in seven self-harmed because of concerns about their body. The lack of body diversity on shows like Love Island reflects unhealthy, unattainable beauty standards and could lead to anxiety and depression.
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Furthermore, many of these shows depict people with extravagant and luxurious lives, which could lead to feelings of shame and comparison on the viewer’s part. People on these shows, such as the Kardashians, do not live normal lives, but seeing this depicted so often on television can be misleading and make people think they need to live like that to be successful. It can lead to feelings of isolation and a lack of appreciation for one’s own life.
Reality TV can also have a neurological impact and fuel aggressive behaviour: an article in SW Londoner detailled how researchers from Central Michigan University found that people were more aggressive after being exposed to an episode of reality TV that contained verbal and relational aggression.
People were more likely to be loud and aggressive after seeing it on a reality TV show. Photo: Shutterstock
This is possibly because the behaviour is marketed as “real and unscripted”, making viewers believe that’s how real people can – or even should – act. The fact that these shows are portayed as real and unedited, but are in fact heavily scripted, can mess with a person’s sense of reality and what constitutes normal behaviour.
Last but not least, there is also the issue of addiction, since our brains can start to crave the dopamine and serotonin released as we watch, according to Discover Magazine.
Reality TV can have a massive impact on a person’s mental health, and it’s important to keep this in mind should you choose to watch.
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Against: Tess Ho, 15, Deerfield Academy (US)
Tess Ho from Deerfield Academy (US). Photo: Handout
The impact of reality TV on mental health is not as negative as some may believe. Not only are these shows entertaining, but they can also provide opportunities for personal growth. Some programmes educate viewers on practical knowledge in a range of subjects while simultaneously promoting motivational mindsets.
One significant way reality TV shows could positively impact an individual’s mental health is by inspiring them to pursue their goals and passions. Many shows portray individuals showcasing their talents, special skills, and the diligence and work put into achieving their goals. This can be a great boost for people uncertain about their goals or what they want to pursue. Examples of such TV shows are Master Chef, Nailed It, and Sugar Rush on Netflix.
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People watching these shows can be inspired by the success of ordinary individuals and their perseverance and passion for cooking. Furthermore, viewers can be encouraged to try something new and potentially discover new areas of interest, which can have a positive impact on their mental health.
Some programmes can teach people about different cultures or customs, such as The Amazing Race, where contestants compete in rigorous and demanding challenges in various countries. Seeing these different places on TV gives viewers a chance to see other countries and may even encourage them to get out and explore the world themselves.
Seeing people visit different countries on TV could inspire viewers to travel. Photo: Shutterstock
Diversity is a key part of America’s Got Talent. The show is inclusive and features an extensive range of talents from individuals of diverse backgrounds. Notably, in one season, a disabled singer won the show, inspiring people around the world to never give up and to work hard to achieve their goals.
Watching reality TV is about entertainment and relaxation, which has a positive impact on mental well-being. Most streaming platforms provide warnings notifying viewers of explicit content or violence in a show, which allows the individual to determine if it is right for them. The audience holds the power in deciding what to watch, and it is up to them to select content that has a healthy influence on their lives.
