The Impact of Reality Television on Young Adults: Effects on Lifestyle, Perceptions and

Behaviours

Aimy Thai
5369533
COMM 3P15
Jennifer Good
Kristine Hilimoniuk
April 4, 2016

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Abstract
Although much research about reality-television shows has been conducted, they solely
focus on the quality of reality to examinations of stereotypes portrayed. This research is based on
the effects reality television holds on young adults; their lifestyles, perceptions and behaviours
while mainly targeting materialistic items displayed. A survey was conducted in a third year
communications class at Brock University. Participants were between the ages of 20-22. The
researchers ensured each participant has had some form of reality television interaction in the
past. Based on an online survey facilitator, respondents were asked several questions pertaining to
their personal involvement with reality stars outside of their respected shows. Results
acknowledge active participation in monitoring the lives of celebrity reality stars outside of their
shows but many do not replicate materialistic items visible on the shows. Through the Uses and
Gratifications scale, many participants displayed positive reasoning for watching reality
television; for enjoyment and passing time. Ultimately, viewers keep a safe distance in regards to
their lives turning into a commodity of reality television.
Introduction
Kim Kardashian, Lauren Conrad, Lisa Vanderpump and Ben Higgins all have one thing
in common, they are masters of reality television. From Keeping Up With The Kardashians to
The Bachelor, there is no doubt the cast has made their impact on the media and popular culture.
Reality television (RTV) is a genre of television often portrayed as the underdog in the world of
media with negative connotations. The amount of realness that is depicted within realitytelevised shows is constantly under scrutiny. Now, in the 21st century, technology and the media
has evolved into a powerful tool which can be used to many peoples advantage. This is why it is
important to analyze programming under the reality television genre and understand how it has
sculpted society in a way that resembles what reality really is. RTV is a genre that allows for real
life experiences with an opportunity for audiences to relate back to the characters themselves.
Whether the stars are having Sunday Brunch with their girl friends or baking a winning crme

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brle dessert for Chef Ramsay, audience members have the ability to understand a compassion
and ethos to the characters internally. The younger generation is especially susceptible to
becoming a commodity for these programs. Young adults must be educated in how the media
creates an agenda to sell and market their shows.
Essentially, this research paper explores the ideology of unintentional product placement
and its effectiveness it has on viewers, particularly within the age range of 18 to 30. The use of
major name celebrities holds an effect on consumers in which they view themselves on a societal
spectrum. This research hopes to identify with the audiences and create a better grasp of the
motives behind viewing RTV programs while noting the changeable and/or unchanged
behaviours post episodic previewing. The relationship between RTV programs and its viewers is
crucial to understand in order to better accommodate consumers in the future.
Objectives
The objective of this research is to further understand the uses and gratifications obtained
from interacting with RTV stars and to create a more qualified understanding of viewers in
relation to their RTV lifestyle interest. The first research question asks: how do viewers compare
and contrast themselves to the stars that they see on television? This is a very broad question
which overlays the entire research topic. The second research question poses as another contrast
with the reality stars: how do the actions of reality television stars affect the actions of their
viewers. This question can be very broad in terms of what actions are being endorsed. This
question ranges from physical characteristics to different behaviours and even intangible
properties such as goals and motivations. The third research question asks: how do the reality
television characters disrupt traditional lifestyles? This question explores the traditional
stereotypes of Westernized lifestyles and how reality television has changed it- for example, same
sex couples, adopted children, interracial couples and so forth. Finally, the last research problem
questions the amount of involvement of viewers in relation to the lives of RTV stars. This
question focuses on quantitative data. Each question will be explored very precisely.

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Literature Review
Zizi Papacharissi (2007) analyzes why consumers associate their lives with reality
television. By using the Uses and Gratifications theory system which tends to be a common
theory in relation to reality television research, Papacharissi identifies the deeper fulfillments
obtained by RTV viewers. Prior to Papacharissis research, a lot was focused around the results
that consumers watch RTV because it is routine instead of the gratifications developed by Elihu
Katz (Papacharissi, 2007: 358). Her research questions focus around finding the arresting
motivations for RTV viewing, how social and psychological factors play a role in creating
perceptions (reality) of RTV and how those factors create affinity for viewers when exposed to
RTV Papacharissi, 2007: 358- 359). The sample Papacharissi used were 157 students in an
introduction communication class and a limited amount of graduation students from an urban
university (Papacharissi, 2007: 359). Results displayed the average amount of television watched
per week was 74 minutes per student (Papacharissi, 2007: 359). Each response was voluntary but
incentive for extra credit was given to the students who participated. As expected and as research
depicted prior to conducting the experiment, habitual pastimes was the highest rated gratification
for watching RTV (Papacharissi, 2007: 363). She also found out that a majority of the RTV
participants who watched RTV for companionship tended to be the most introverted in their lives
(Papacharissi, 2007: 365). Finally, to answer the final research question, results displayed that
those who are more commonly exposed to RTV appreciated its attributes more than those who
received no exposure (Papacharissi, 2007: 365).
Kim Allen (2013) examines how social classes of young adults view RTV as a cultural
analysis in developing identities (Allen, 2013: 460). There was no indication of previous research
conducted. Allens research stemmed from interviewing qualitative information from young
adults. The first method focused on young women in the performing arts and their aspirations.
Twenty young women were interviewed for 45 to 180 minutes (Allen, 2013: 463). The second
study revolved around young adults aspirations to peruse a career within television drama (Allen,

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2013: 463). Group interviews were conducted for this study. In both studies, the interviews were
audio recorded to identify reoccurring themes to answer the research questions (Allen, 2013:
464). Results displayed that authenticity is constantly cleaning the definition of genres of social
classes (Allen, 2013: 472). This changes as young adults understand the blurred lines between
real and fake in RTV as questionable.
Alice Hall (2006) explores the perceptions; the understandings of realness, essence and
fulfillment of young adults on RTV viewing. Results were founded by conducting interviews
through focus groups (Hall, 2006: 192). Hall explains that all research conducted can be used for
future research of similar topics. Four research questions were created: what characteristics
defines reality programs, what attributes distinguish different RTV genres, how audiences
calculate the quantity of realism, and the aspects that make reality television interesting (Hall,
2006: 193-194). As expected, many different gratifications were given pertaining to the different
genres of RTV. Further research will be conducted on this topic.
Karyn Riddle (2013) attempts to prove that there are patterns of content that are depicted
through surveillance reality programs in relation to a viewers real life beliefs (Riddle, 2013:
237). First, she does this through examining various content analyses, entertainment journals and
critical theories (specifically the cultivation approach) (Riddle, 2013: 237). Riddle conducted an
online survey where 145 young adults participated. Instead of research questions, Riddle attempts
to prove 4 hypotheses; the more reality television watched, the more viewers anticipated the
world to be wealthier, the more viewership of a consumer, the more antisocial they were, a
positive relationship between RTV viewing and promiscuity within personal relationships and the
more exposure viewers have to these shows will result in their beliefs to mirror the characters.
Results show that these young adults believe their life situations replicate the content patterns
displayed on RTV shows (Riddle, 2013: 243). Implications were further discussed.
A common theme in RTV is the negative connotations of body image but not enough
research has been conducted on the male demographic. Starla Dallesasse (2013) focuses on this

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topic. She researches the extent that RTVs depiction of the stereotypical muscular male figure
has on viewers (Dallesasse, 2013: 309). She focuses on three genres of RTV; drama,
dating/romance and contest based shows. A quantitative content analysis was conducted on males
between the age of 18 and 24 using the Neilsen Television ratings script (Dallesasse, 2013: 310).
By establishing binominal tests, results showed that male characters on RTV shows displayed
significantly less body fat than the average American male (Dallesasse, 2013: 312).
Cathleen Carny (2014) explores the female image in relation to psychopathy in RTV. She
uses this research to further educate others in comparison to the male psychopathy stereotypes.
Carny uses different genres of RTV to understand the difference in gender roles. Results showed
that gender differences in RTV programs are reflective in real life events (Carny, 2014: 233).
Female psychopathy traits are less noticeable than the male characteristics (Carny, 2014: 233).
Robin Nabi (2013) researches how RTV impacts the exercise motivations on young
adults. She views different programs along with the commercials embedded into them. Nabi was
interested in the exercise and eating habits within the participations. Random selections of 253
undergrad students were selected to view episodes of specific RTV shows. There was a positive
correlation between high levels of exercise and impact on the surveyors. It inflicted more
confidence and motivation.
Claire Sherman explores consumption value through product placement within RTV
programs. Sherman tested for viewing effects through a panel study (Sherman, 2012: 527). The
procedure involved a more lengthily time period in comparison for previous research conducted.
Viewers were to watch six episodes of a given RTV program in the comfort of their own homes
(Sherman, 2012: 527). Prior to watching and afterwards, a self-assessed online survey completion
was required. As Sherman hypothesized, there was a positive correlation between brand
familiarity and its influence on viewers discretion to purchase the product (Sherman, 2012: 529).
Because this method works, Sherman advocates the usage of product placement outside of
targeted demographic shows.

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Methods
This research is an explanatory study conducted through an online survey. Ethical
guidelines were properly followed. The survey was open to a third year communications class in
which participation was voluntary without incentive. A total of 29 students responded to the
survey; 9 males, 19 females and one participant who would rather not disclose their gender.
Respondents were mainly between the ages of 20-21 while seven participants indicated that they
were 22 or older. These were the options to differentiate between young adults and adults.
Papacharissi notes that, by using university students as a target demographic, results will be made
more precisely because this generation is deemed to hold a significant portion of the RTV
viewing demographic (Papacharissi, 2007: 359). Both qualitative and quantitative questions were
asked based around the Uses and Gratifications model and internal feelings of RTV programs.
Other questions dealt with the purchase of products; if so, and what kinds that were seen in
preferred RTV shows. The goal was to identify characteristics that play roles within shaping
behaviours and lifestyles of consumers. Quantitative questions were asked on a semantic
differential scale in order to understand results more simply and clearly. A better understanding
will be grasped while asking qualitative questions in which more precise information will be
obtained. A majority of the focus will be geared towards the qualitative questions and answers.
Questions were asked in a non-intrusive order to help participants feel more at ease and willing to
open up. Questions were asked accordingly to limit the time it takes to clean data. Results will be
more efficient.
Results
The hypothesis that regardless of the quantity of RTV watched, viewers still monitor RTV
stars outside of their respective shows. Results show that participants notice themselves watching
RTV a mediocre amount during the week. The main gratifications obtained from RTV programs
include enjoyment, passing time and for escape of their own reality, while very little sought RTV
to educate themselves. Over 80% of respondents identified the negative aspect of lack of realness

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portrayed in RTV shows. More than half of participants imagine themselves to be on a reality
show in which the top sub genres include drama/ lifestyle and contest shows. 80% of participants
explained that they have not purchased products displayed on characters and stars. To answer the
research questions, #1 how does the actions of RTV stars affect the actions of viewers; many envy
the materialistic items such as premium cars and bags that the reality stars own. Question two
asks how viewers compare and contrast themselves to the stars they see on RTV; viewers
understand a sense of false reality depicted on RTV in which they contract their lives to the
realness and compare their belongings and winnings/lack of winnings (if on game show). This
research was not successful in determining research question number three: How do the RTV
characters disrupt traditional lifestyles but, is still successful in understanding research question
four; how involved are views in relation to the lives of reality stars. Many respondents indicated
the constant follow-ups and media tracking of RTV stars.
Limitations & Future Research
The class surveyed (COMM 3P15) had an uneven ratio between male and female
students. This served as a limitation because results conducted geared more towards the female
population and not the entire young adult category. This can be fixed in the future by using a
larger sample size: for example, all of Brock Universitys student body. Another limitation that
occurred is the availability of the host website that the survey was conducted on;
surveymonkey.com. This website only allowed for a certain number of questions resulting in one
research question unavailable to be answered. After reviewing the results, further research should
be conducted on the quality and types of interactions/involvement RTV stars have on their
viewers. By looking beyond the tangible such as personality traits research can help understand
the underlying uses for reality television viewing. This research should be conducted through
focus groups to better explain internal thoughts and motivations. The limitations discussed will be
fixed to help future research succeed.
Conclusion

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Reality Television has held a strong notion in lacking realness which, consumers identify
with, and understand. Because viewers often lean to this media medium for enjoyment and
passing time, little emphasis on product placement is needed but respected. Viewers follow RTV
stars in tabloids because popular culture is so defiant in society today. Regardless of productions
efforts to market products and the RTV programs, it is noticeable that viewers will willingly
participate because they have their own agency. It should be made clear that this research was
semi successful in obtaining the information originally seeked. Ultimately, RTV sells the genre
itself and has done so very well doing so.
Acknowledgements
Credit should be given where credit is due. I would like to thank my very supportive
professor, Jenner Good for allowing myself to contribute and have the opportunity to conduct this
research. Jen Good has guided myself, a learning student to creating successful content through
research methods so that information can be shared to the public. I would also like to extend my
greatest gratitude to the class teaching assistant, Kristine Hilimoniuk for her understanding and
attentiveness to detail in helping critique each step along the way. Finally, without the
participants, this research would not have been significant. Thank you to those willing to take part
in this research by completing the survey provided. I am the utmost grateful for your attendance
in helping answer unknown questions. Without this group, this research project would not have
been as big of a success. Thank you!
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Dallesasse, S. L., & Kluck, A. S. (2013). Reality television and the muscular male ideal.
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