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What do you think of reality television?

5/4/2015

9 Comments

 
Although I watch programs that show groups of people challenging the elements for survival in the wild, if someone forced me to sit in front of 'Big Brother', 'I'm a celebrity' or a similar cruel, exploitative and trashy daily show, I'd read a book rather than become involved.

The brain-image study by researchers at the University of Bonn, Germany, analyzed 30 participants who only watched clips of people humiliating themselves. The watchers developed the ability to feel ‘vicarious embarrassment’ for others, activating the parts of the brain that make us more empathetic—the four areas which deal with empathy, compassion, the suppression of ego, and social codes and rules.

Another 30 people watched neutral clips. Their brain scans revealed lower levels of empathetic activity. As an aside, that stands to reason. How could viewers show empathy about a neutral clip? Something like wildflowers, or diving amongst coral wouldn't trigger emotion.

In their report, the authors write that ‘reality TV formats with high vicarious embarrassment content activate brain regions associated with empathic concern and social identity’. Watchers are able to ‘put themselves in another person’s shoes’ more easily, the study said.

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All I can conclude is that the people watching cruel reality TV don't have contact with many other people. And why is that? In our cities, residents have lost touch with the community. We don't notice if an elderly neighbor falters or doesn't come outside so much. Village life encompassed every resident. The old looked after the young while others worked to feed them all. Maybe our brain needs this attribute.

My daily events nurture compassion, kindness and empathy while I look after my ailing husband. Not only that, but constant calls to action keep me on my toes, figuratively speaking because each step I take causes considerable pain. Fate—so cruel. Right at the time I'm needed, my body rebels and seizes up.

At least I can still make quick decisions. In yesterday's emergency, I called a district nurse, despite my husband's reservation and constant arguments about the pros and cons of doing so. His catheter had fallen out, which I knew would cause trouble later in the day.

As luck would have it, or because those in charge recognized the severity of the situation, a wonderful, kind, empathetic nurse called in an hour later and saved the day. I'll bet she doesn't need to watch reality TV.

Love them or hate them—what do you think of reality shows?


9 Comments
Amy link
5/3/2015 11:11:56 pm

Francene, I can't think of a much worse way to waste precious time than to watch reality shows. Or most of what's on television, for that matter. I'm so glad that you had a good experience with the nurse who came to your husband's aid. *hugs* and best wishes for good health for you and your hubby!

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maddy link
5/3/2015 11:53:16 pm

I have watched Big Brother in the past and find it really annoying the way they keep repeating the same clip. I don't find reality tv shows in general to be compelling.

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Kimberly link
5/4/2015 01:43:11 am

I gave up TV long ago, so have never seen most of the reality shows watched today. I do wonder how it is changing us a society. I believe nothing beats the personal interaction found in face to face contact.
Kimberly
FiftyJewels.com

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Angelica link
5/4/2015 04:39:19 am

Reality TV used to be such a guilty pleasure for me until I realized it was also a complete waste of time. I got rid of cable recently and prefer to spend time with my family.

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Laurel Regan link
5/4/2015 04:48:56 am

Not a fan at all of most reality TV shows, but particularly the cruel or exploitative ones. Just too painful and mean for me to feel comfortable watching.

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K.Lee Banks link
5/4/2015 05:06:09 am

My immediate response to your question is "not much." My hubby and I routinely critique them - not that we watch them (no interest), but just seeing previews of episodes causes us to wonder WHY they seem so popular.

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Alana link
5/4/2015 10:08:33 am

I know reality shows can have a broad definition. I think, technically, "Shark Tank" (Dragon's Den in the UK) is a reality show. There is fakery but what you learn about business is for real and I enjoy that educational aspect. I've never watched Big Brother and I never will. Ugh!

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Ajay Pai link
5/4/2015 11:04:52 am

Reality shows? Huh! Thanks, but no thanks! I guess, it's really a waste of time.

I would love blogging instead and read few more blogs and connect with bloggers and family. To top it, I would love to watch the reality show running at home 24/7, starring Lil Ishaan. Winks.

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bellybytes link
5/4/2015 06:46:51 pm

I just can't understand the logic of reality tv. Isn't life bizarre enough?

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    Francene Stanley
    From England, I use news items in my novels which you can see below, all linked to an Amazon near you.

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