It's 8:00pm in the evening and everyone gathers around the TV for a night of "Reality Programming". As we gaze upon the screen and begin loading data into our brains, I wonder? Is Reality TV shaping our minds and the minds of our children? If so, into what?.
In FOX's network history "American Idol" posted the highest ratings of any show besides sports according to Business Week Online (America's Reality-TV Addiction, 1/30/2003). "Dramalities" are in and the Walton's are out. Reality TV has quickly taken over the network broadcast with shows like Joe Millionaire, The Bachelor, Fear Factor, Temptation Island, and Are You Hot. Reality TV is fast, cheap, and totally addictive (America's Reality-TV Addiction, Michelle Conlin, Business Week Online 1/30/2003). Networks have addicted our children to this new form of drug and have left us to determine whether or not these shows are distracting us from our reality or quality programming.
Reality TV is having an influence on our children. Our children are learning about relationships and love by watching these shows. Temptation Island tests "committed" but unmarried couples by placing them on a romantic island, separating them on arrival, and tempting them with sexy attractive singles looking for a fling. Shows like Joe Millionaire are teaching children the art of deception and gold digging. These shows paint an unreal picture of reality and teach our children that it's ok to lie and deceive others. Turning out children who put these shows into practice instead of keeping the courtship or beginning phase as a personal matter. Shows such as these are numbing our children of their core values and morals making it harder for the children to discern between social acceptability and original values. Those things that are/were "taboo" now are portrayed as socially acceptable and right. Luring our children in with hopes of finding love and money.