Term Paper | 3
Term Paper | 3 (Reality Television)
Intro to Mass Media
Professor Reppert
Fall 2025
Reality television is one of the most popular forms of entertainment in today’s world. It feels like everywhere I turn there is a new show popping up with a brand-new twist or theme. I think the reason for its success is that reality TV mixes enough emotion to feel personal and relatable while still being dramatic enough to keep people hooked. It draws us in because it shows human behavior and emotion but with an added spark of suspense and thrill. Two of my favorite reality shows are Survivor and The Bachelor. Almost everyone has seen at least a few clips from these shows. They are funny, heartfelt, competitive, and entertaining, yet they could not be more different from each other.
If you have never seen Survivor, it is a competition-based reality show centered on survival and strategy. Contestants are placed in a remote location where they must learn to take care of themselves, work in teams, and compete in challenges to stay in the game. Throughout the show, players form alliances, vote each other out, and adapt to constant twists. In the end, only one person remains to claim the title of “Sole Survivor.”
The main audience for Survivor is typically people between the ages of 20 and 50 who enjoy competition, problem-solving, and strategic thinking. What makes this show unique is how it balances the emotional and physical challenges of survival with human connection and conflict. Each season adds new twists to keep it fresh, such as hidden immunity idols, team swaps, and surprise advantages. These constant changes keep the show unpredictable, which is one of the reasons it has stayed relevant for over two decades.
Social media also plays a major role in keeping Survivor popular. Former contestants often share behind-the-scenes stories or react to their own episodes online. The show’s official pages post clips, teasers, and throwback moments that continue to attract new fans. Even when the season ends, the conversation never really stops. Fans discuss strategy, debate favorite players, and relive dramatic tribal councils online. This ongoing engagement keeps the show alive long after it airs.
I grew up watching The Bachelor with my grandparents. It was their favorite show, and it quickly became something that brought us together. The concept of the show is simple but full of emotion. One man dates a group of women over several weeks, eliminating contestants until he chooses one in the end. It is a show built on love, heartbreak, and drama.
The Bachelor appeals mostly to women between the ages of 18 and 40 who enjoy romance and storytelling. While some viewers love the dramatic moments, others are drawn to the hope of watching someone find true love. The show gives a glimpse into modern dating but also reflects how messy and emotional the process can be. It allows people to relate to the ups and downs of love, rejection, and connection.
Social media has helped The Bachelor grow beyond just television. Many contestants gain thousands of followers during and after the show. They often become influencers who share insights about their experiences and continue to engage with fans. TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have become key platforms for contestants to express their emotions and show the reality behind reality TV. Even after the final rose is given, fans stay invested by following the cast’s lives and relationships online. This cycle of engagement keeps the show in constant conversation.
Reality television has completely changed how people watch and interact with entertainment. For many, it is a way to relax after a long day, to laugh, or to get lost in someone else’s story. Shows like Survivor and The Bachelor succeed because they find a balance between being emotional and entertaining. They remind us of our shared experiences like competition, love, failure, and growth.
However, not every reality show finds the same success. Some programs feel overly scripted or fake, which takes away the connection that makes reality TV powerful. The audience wants to see something genuine, something that feels unscripted even when we know there is editing involved. When we see people face real challenges or emotions, we feel a part of their journey. When it feels too forced, we lose that connection and interest.
The best reality shows succeed because they let us see ourselves in someone else’s story. Whether it is struggling to win a challenge on Survivor or trying to find love on The Bachelor, we connect with those emotions. These shows allow people to experience intense moments and emotions without actually living them, and that sense of connection is what keeps viewers coming back season after season.
If I could create my own reality TV show, I would call it “Disconnected.” The idea is simple but powerful. The show would follow college-aged individuals who must go without electronics for an entire month. They would give up their phones, laptops, and social media, and be forced to face the reality of living fully in the present. The last person to make it through without giving in would win a grand prize.
While this might sound easy, it would actually be one of the hardest challenges for young adults today. We are constantly surrounded by technology, and many of us rely on it for almost everything—communication, entertainment, validation, and even self-worth. By taking that away, the contestants would have to rediscover how to connect with themselves and the people around them.
The show would not just be about competition but about self-reflection and growth. Each week, participants could discuss how they are feeling mentally and emotionally. They might talk about what they miss most, how their relationships are changing, or what they are learning about themselves. By the end of the show, the audience would not only be entertained but also inspired to think about their own relationship with technology.
“Disconnected” would show that sometimes, real connection happens when we unplug. It would combine the emotional depth of The Bachelor with the mental and personal challenges of Survivor, creating something that feels meaningful.
Reality television has a major influence on the way we view entertainment and even ourselves. Shows like The Bachelor and Survivor prove that love, competition, and emotion can coexist and keep audiences invested. People are drawn to these programs because they reflect real parts of life that we can resonate with.
Even though many reality shows are dramatized, they still allow us to experience a sense of community and emotion. We laugh, cry, and root for people we have never met. That emotional connection is what makes reality TV so powerful.
If done right, reality television can be more than just entertainment. It can remind us to stay human, to stay connected, and to appreciate the shared experiences that make us who we are. Whether it is surviving on an island, searching for love, or learning to live without a phone, reality TV continues to show us pieces of ourselves that is sometimes hard to see.
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