Drowning in Illusions:

Disempowerment of Students
through Reality TV

MARK P. VINARAO | MARWIN ALVAREZ

 Topic Outline:
 Introduction disempowerment of Students through reality TV
and its relevance in today’s society
 The impact of reality television on students and why it remains
relevant in contemporary society
 Reality Television and its examples
 Tips for students to maintain a healthy balance with reality
television
 The positive and negative impact of reality shows on youth and
society
 Introduction disempowerment of Students through
reality TV and its relevance in today’s society

Reality television has become a dominant force in the

entertainment industry, captivating audiences around the
world with its diverse array of shows and dramatic
storytelling. While many view reality television as a
form of harmless entertainment, it is important to
recognize its potential to disempower students and its
relevance in today's society.
 The impact of reality television on students and
why it remains relevant in contemporary society.
 Influence on Self-Image
 Reinforcement of Stereotypes
 Shallow Values and Instant Gratification
 Impact on Interpersonal Relationships
 Educational Distraction
 Reduced Critical Thinking
 Unrealistic Expectations
  Influence on Self-Image

Reality television often presents contestants with

idealized physical appearances and lifestyles,
which can lead students to develop unrealistic
standards for themselves.
  Reinforcement of Stereotypes
Many reality TV shows perpetuate stereotypes related
to gender, race, and social class. Students who
consume such content may internalize these biases,
affecting their perceptions of themselves and others.

For instance, shows that depict women as catty and

competitive or minorities as one-dimensional
characters can disempower students by reinforcing
harmful prejudices and limiting their empathy and
understanding of diverse experiences.
  Shallow Values and Instant
Gratification

Reality TV often promotes shallow values, such as

materialism and the pursuit of fame. The emphasis
on quick success and easy solutions can
discourage students from investing time and effort
into their education and personal development.
  Impact on Interpersonal Relationships

Reality television frequently thrives on conflict,

drama, and betrayal. As students consume such
content, they may develop skewed perceptions of
interpersonal relationships, believing that
confrontation and backstabbing are the norm.
  Educational Distraction

The addictive nature of reality TV can divert

students' attention away from their academic
responsibilities.
Binge-watching these shows can lead to decreased
study time and compromised educational
achievement, ultimately disempowering students
by limiting their future opportunities and
potential.
  Reduced Critical Thinking

Many reality TV programs emphasize drama and

conflict over critical thinking and problem-
solving. Students who consume such content may
become less inclined to think critically, as they are
exposed to shallow and sensationalized narratives.
  Unrealistic Expectations

Reality TV often portrays exaggerated and

sensationalized versions of real-life situations.
This can create unrealistic expectations about
what is achievable in the real world. Students may
become disempowered when they perceive their
own lives and achievements as falling short of the
glamorous and dramatic events they see on TV.
In today's society, reality television remains
relevant due to its widespread accessibility
through streaming platforms and social media.

The lure of fame, dramatic storytelling, and the

escape from reality continue to draw in viewers,
including students.
To mitigate the disempowering effects of reality TV, it
is crucial for educators, parents, and society as a
whole to promote media literacy, critical thinking, and
discussions about the impact of such programming.
Additionally, students should be encouraged to
balance their entertainment choices with activities
that foster personal growth, critical thinking, and
empathy for others, helping them navigate the
influence of reality television in a more empowering
way.
 What is reality TV?

Reality television, often abbreviated as "reality

TV," is a genre of television programming that
features unscripted, real-life situations, events,
or contests involving ordinary people,
celebrities, or professionals.
 What is reality TV?

Reality television, often abbreviated as "reality

TV," is a genre of television programming that
features unscripted, real-life situations, events,
or contests involving ordinary people,
celebrities, or professionals.
 What are the examples of Reality TV?
 The Bachelor

 American Idol

 The Real World

PINOY REALITY TV SHOWS
Tips for students to maintain a
healthy balance with reality
television.
 Tips for students to maintain a
healthy balance with reality
television.
Maintaining a healthy balance with reality
television is important to ensure that it doesn't
negatively impact your academic, social, and
personal life.
  Set Time Limits

Allocate a specific amount of time for

watching reality TV each day or week,
and stick to it. This prevents excessive
screen time.
  Prioritize Academics

Ensure that your schoolwork and

academic responsibilities come first. Use
reality TV as a reward or relaxation
activity after completing your tasks.
  Engage in Physical
Activities

Balance your TV time with physical

activities like sports, exercise, or outdoor
hobbies to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
  Social Interaction

Don't let TV replace face-to-face

interactions with friends and family.
Spend quality time with loved ones and
strengthen your relationships.
  Stay Mindful of Content

Be aware of the content and themes of

the shows you watch. Avoid programs
that promote negative values or
behaviors.
  Offline Hobbies

Explore offline hobbies such as reading,

art, music, or volunteering to ensure a
well-rounded life beyond the screen.
  Educational Shows

Consider watching educational reality

programs that can teach you something
new or expand your knowledge.
The positive and negative
impact of reality shows on
youth
 The positive impact of reality shows on youth

Makes student more confident.

As the students get inspired by their favorite contestant and

the one who wins any reality show. Sometimes, students
start following the footsteps of their idols person.
 The positive impact of reality shows on youth

Helps in making students more interactive.

Most of the reality shows are associated with live

interactions. Some of the reality shows are also associated
with taking live challenges, and competitions. These kinds
of reality shows help students in developing their
interacting skills and all other challenging skills.
 The positive impact of reality shows on youth

Makes student more confident.

As the students get inspired by their favorite contestant and

the one who wins any reality show. Sometimes, students
start following the footsteps of their idols person.
 The negative impact of reality shows on youth
and society
Real-life accidents.

There are certain reality shows like fear factor, America’s

got talent and many more. These kinds of reality shows
involve different types of stunts, challenges, and other
daring activities. These reality shows are very dangerous
for students, youth and all groups but especially for youth
and students.
 The negative impact of reality shows on youth
and society
Affects academics and spoils educational career.

Most of the students involve too much in reality shows and

it spoils their academic career. They start wasting their time
watching reality shows and affect their academic
productivity up to a great extent. Both students get to affect
their academic career in this manner whether they are
viewers or participants.
 The negative impact of reality shows on youth
and society
Some reality Tv shows keep the student the veil of falsity.

Almost all reality Tv shows based on some scripts. In order

to increase their TRP, the executives of the reality shows
script their shows according to the demand. Most of the
students fall in their trap and their misconceptions and they
believe in the scripted shows.
 Conclusion
Reality shows don’t show any reality nowadays. Even if
the shows are about dancing and singing. All reality shows
involve fighting, and some action and drama just to attract
the viewers.
There is no reality in reality shows and
reality shows are an illusion of reality.