Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Watching TV Makes You Smarter
There are a lot more programs that have become more complicated and complex, but on the other hand, television has also dumbed itself down with the popularity of reality shows. Most of the characters act out to ensure being remembered and while doing so set bad examples. This article touches on the effects reality shows have.
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Reality TV gets smarter too
ReplyDeleteThe article addresses this issue by stating that "even the junk has improved". Reality shows are to be compared with variety shows of the 70s. Johnson argues that people that watch reality shows such as Survivor and The Apprentice tune in not to watch the contestants humiliate themselves, but rather are intrigued by the strategies they might use. His defense continues, "we absorb stories, but we second-guess games" in which he proves that viewers are not passively taking in the events that occur in reality tv, but are trying to guess what is going to happen next. A good example of this would be The Biggest Loser. If the all the viewers were offered was footage of overweight contestants working out, than the series would not have as many seasons as it does. Instead, each season has new contestants, yet keeps the trainers that every fan loves or hates: Bob and Jillian. We get to know each contestant, watch them turn on each other, play mind games, and lose weight. Other shows take this a step further by allowing audience participation such as American Idol or Dancing with the Stars, where contestants are voted off by people who call in.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwvW_yeOBqs