Did you know, watching “Reality Shows” can actually teach many folks, well needed, “life lessons”.

The next time some tells you that they never watch reality shows, they may quickly, that one of their favorite shows, may actually fall under the title of “reality show”.  http://www.realitytvworld.com/realitytvworld/allshows.shtml

In listening to other folks, I’ve also heard statements like, I would never watch reality shows.  Well, take a look at below.  Watching a reality show, may be what the Dr ordered: A few of lives well needed lessons can subconsciously be learned/gainged !

 

Jay Chaffin, M.A., in Peace of Mind writes, “According to a recent study, 77 percent of Americans regularly watch at least one reality program, and of that number, the average number of shows watched is four.”

And … “One of the main benefits of watching these shows is seeing how happy and normal your own life is compared to those of the characters”.

It's a fact ... Folks watching others folks is how we have all, over the years, learned what we know !

 

Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D, Just give in, Phychology Today, says, “Two of the five indulgences that an actually boost self-control,  YouTube and reality television.   “Willpower is contagious.  Many reality shows feature people working hard to overcome obstacles as they lose weight, face their fears, or organize their clutter.”  The article concludes with “You can “catch” extra self-control just by watching someone pursue a goal.”

In essence, if you want to learn, less procrastination, watch a show that offers this; If you want to learn building self-esteem, you watch a show that promots this; and so on !

 

Nicole McDermott, Greatest.com says, “The good news is, some reality TV shows can motivate readers to work toward good health or social change”.  And, "The interactive viewing experience may be a big part of reality TV’s appeal.”

 

Folks are known to watch reality shows for many reasons:  Entertainment, fun, excitement, drama, just to name a few. 

Actually, many folks do not realize nor have opened their mind, in realizing, that much more, is often being learned, subconsciously, by watching Reality Shows !

If you’ve watched Survivor, many would agree, it can teach loyalty, strength, decision making, determination, will power, and more positive aspects. 

Many shows, such as Wife Swap, the Bachelor /Bachelorette, Big Brother, and others, can educate us all, on how others typically live; even habits, rituals, and cultures of others.  It can also remind us, how we would never want to live; or on the other hand, it could simply educate many folks on improving their own life or situation. Some shows, like Secret Millionaire, Amazing Race, and Teach, draw on inspiring messages.

The truth is, much of what we learned, is often brought about to us subconsciously.   When we least expect it or without realizing, insight can come to our lives; even that, which we may not have even known we needed.

Another highlight in watching Reality Shows, is in discover how other folks think; act; and react.  In return, it can gives us a chance at looking at ourselves and how we would have done, or not done, in the same situation; or how we could improve our self !

Often, there are folks on these shows, who are extremely kind, humble giving, compassionate, honorable, a great friend or spouse, and more.  Many life lessons can be learned from viewers who are open, in learning something from everyone !  

 

Wikipedia says, “Reality television is a television programming genre that presents purportedly unscripted melodramatic or "humorous" situations, documents actual events, and usually features ordinary people instead of professional actors, sometimes in a contest or other situation where a prize is awarded.  Reality television offers viewers a glimpse into the lives of people that might otherwise not be seen. It can also be seen as a platform for the subjects of the programs, to clear up misconceptions, and show their story or struggle.

 

Juli’s from ‘Applying psychology to every day life’ writes,  “From a social psychological perspective, reality TV is more than just mindless entertainment. It taps into some of our most basic psychological needs - the need to feel connected to others, the need to feel good about ourselves, and the need to understand social dynamics.” The need for relatedness and belonging is fundamental to human nature. We want to feel connected to other people, and we don't want to feel alone and isolated. Reality shows, true to their name, do provide many opportunities to relate. Researchers refer to this experience as common humanity - the awareness that the ways in which we personally suffer are shared by other people. This feeling can make us more compassionate towards other people and towards ourselves. We may also feel inspired by people who overcome obstacles and succeed in the end - upward social comparison gives us hope and motivates us to improve ourselves.”

There’s more:  “A self-esteem boost ... compare ourselves to people who are worse off than we are”

“We are programmed to look to our social environments to learn more about how they work - with the ultimate goal of navigating our own social worlds more skillfully. Of course, most of this occurs on a non-conscious level …Reality shows provide plenty of examples of what not to do … also show us what works - for example, how to build a genuine friendship with someone you're in competition with, how to stay strong in a stressful environment, or how to be resilient after failure .”

 

"Maybe the lesson learned from Oprah, that giving makes people feel good, can spread from one person to the next and start a domino effect, where everyone benefits," Oracle Think Quest Education Foundation

So next time you find yourself drawn to reality TV against your better judgment, just remember that there's a reason these shows pull us in. In addition to their pure entertainment value, they give us comfort, self-esteem, and sometimes even teach us something valuable.