Reality television is seen as an innocent method of entertainment. The purpose is to bring “enjoyment” to the viewing audience. We are able to peek into the lives of other human beings and connect with them.

Since reality TV has become a vital source of entertainment we tend to neglect the detrimental impact it has on our society. It is outrageous to believe that these shows are seen as “harmless” because that is far from the truth. Not many realize the tremendous damage reality TV has done.

Now more than ever, reality TV is an enormous part of American culture. Statistics show that Americans spend 1/3 of their free time watching television, and of that, 67 percent are reality shows.

This genre of television presents the lives of individuals, and films unscripted situations and actual occurrences. A majority of the criticism on reality television is focused on the word “reality,” because many critics have come to believe that most of the events occurring are actually scripted and staged to draw in more viewers.

Reality TV shows are so attractive to people because of the highlighted drama and conflicts occurring within these programs. Reality shows demonstrate poor behavior and glamorize vulgarity. Most of the content shown is violent and exaggerated for our own amusement.

“Bad Girls Club,” reeling in roughly over a million viewers, is about seven highly aggressive and quarrelsome women forced to live amongst each other. Each of them has psychological and behavioral issues. Many homophobic and racial slurs have caught the attention of the media as well. Programs such as these are known for their bad-mannered casts.

Teenagers look at the characters of the TV shows as models even if their idols make poor decisions. Shows like “Teen Mom” glorify teen pregnancy and make young girls believe that it is perfectly fine to be a mother at such a young age.  Before it used to be if you were 16 and pregnant you would get in trouble, but now you are rewarded with a reality show.

Vast majorities of today’s youth are frequent viewers of reality shows and it has dumbed down our culture. Reality TV has altered what we find amusing and normal behavior.

Another defect this category of television possesses is that it creates celebrities out of untalented people who are only hungry for fame.

Some people are willing to do anything for the chance to be featured in a television show even if that means making a total fool of themselves. We as human beings tend to find it humorous whenever others are embarrassed and seem brainless. In doing so we give publicity to those in programs such as “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo.” Honestly they are nothing but ordinary people who happen to be complete morons. The only reason people actually tune in to the show is to laugh at their stupidity.

The impact that these shows have is mind blowing. Reality television is contributing to eating disorders in teenage girls and eating disorders among teens have nearly tripled with programs such as “Are You Hot?” Shows like these hit the emotional health of those who are particularly vulnerable, such as teens and others prone to eating disorders.

As reality TV shows increase and gain more popularity it will only get worse as audiences become used to the genre.