Q&A: SURVEY: What is the attraction of reality shows/contests?

Question by rubybenubi: SURVEY: What is the attraction of reality shows/contests?
At the risk of being called snobbish or holier-than-thou, I can’t figure out the attraction of these shows. (Yes, I probably AM a snob but I can’t help it in this case.)

When I see these shows, I see people put in humiliating situations while the audience gets to revel in the contestant’s embarrassment (i.e. “The Biggest Loser”). I guess the audience gets their feel-good moments from “…there but for the grace of God, go I.”

It doesn’t matter to me that it’s their choice. Those at the bottom end of the scale (be it popularity or health) are desperate to try anything regardless of probable discomfiture.

With shows like “American Idol” and “America’s Got Talent”, the viewer must suffer through less-than-stellar performances at the beginning of the season and endure inane or vicious judges all season long.

“Survivor” aims to bring out the worst of humankind’s competitive and bloodthirsty attitudes. We get to see underhanded tricks and general nastiness. Again, the audience seems to appreciate the malice-toward-all mindset.

“Big Brother” is just voyeurism at its worst; it’s creepy and repulsive which sums up the audience too.

The nanny-type shows and Discovery Channel shows that insert themselves into the lives of families are also pathetic in that privacy is sold to the highest bidder and the viewers appear to hope for chaos. I suppose the compulsion is for the audience to feel superior to these families.

This type of TV viewing pretty much got its start with “Real World” but, by the 3rd season, even my young-teen daughter could see it was tightly scripted rather than being reality.

In small doses (especially near the end of the season), I can tolerate “Dancing With The Stars” as long as I hit the mute button when the blatherskite judges or hosts start yakking. At least the celebrities are learning something new and working hard. Many of them are actually quite good.

OK, it’s been long-winded but, as you can see, I have very little appreciation of these shows. Those of you who enjoy them, please tell me why. I know I’m in a minority and I’d really like to understand why these shows are so popular.

Thanks to those of you who give me well-reasoned answers instead of trash-talk.
Does anyone else get a feel of “bread and circuses”?

Best answer:

Answer by Dearning Lisability
I have no attraction to those types of shows.

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