Negative Effects of Reality Television

Research conducted by Dr. Douglas Gentile concluded that people who watch reality television shows on a regular basis tend to show more aggressive behaviors such as humiliating others with sarcasm and disrespect. The more realistic the aggression is on the show, the more this influences the viewer.

Excerpt from a study by Dr. Douglas Gentile, psychologist

EVIDENCE 2

Negative Effects of Reality Television

A study showed that reality television viewing encourages negative racial stereotypes and prejudice. So, instead of helping to eliminate ideas about race and crime, these "reality" shows reinforce these stereotypes to tell a better "story" about the crimes.

Excerpt from research by Cavender and Bond-Maupin (1999)

EVIDENCE 3

Negative Effects of Reality Television
“People imitate our reality television shows and then blame us when they get in trouble. People ask me all the time if our reality shows are "real." To be honest, there are many scenes that we "set up" to make them look like reality, but they are not. Many of our shows have scripts and we plan the reactions with the actors ahead of time.”