Document Type

Thesis

Date of Award

5-2013

School/College

School of Communication (SOC)

Degree Name

MA in Communication

First Advisor

Chris Ulasi,

Abstract

Reality television programming is a force that has changed the television industry tremendously. Although some arguments still exists regarding the exact nature of reality television its impact on its viewers is phenomenal. Therefore, the question of whether the amount of time spent watching reality television effects or influences its viewers is still unknown; there has been little research done on this topic. The purpose of this study was to examine whether African American women are affected and or influenced by what they are viewing on Reality television. The research studied two areas of interest: if reality television effected or influenced the way viewers view their body image and if the amount of time spent watching reality television can cause an effect or influence on its viewers. This study surveyed 150 participants-predominately women, but some males were encouraged to take the survey, to obtain their thoughts on the influences reality television has on African American women. The survey administered to the participants sought to answer the following research questions: (1) Does the amount of time spent 1 3 Furthermore, several conflicting responses showed that African American women would prefer to have the lifestyle of reality stars. Further studies are needed to fully determine if African American women wish for the lifestyle of reality stars. In, addition more research needs to examine if African American women are influenced and or effected by Reality television. Americans easily influenced by the stereotypes of materialistic values and -physical body images of African America's on television? Participates were asked several questions to determine whether African American women are influenced and or effected by the reality shows they view daily. Furthermore, participates were asked if they had a desire to look like the women they see on reality television. Participates were asked if they compared there lifestyle to reality stars on television. They were also asked ifthey compared how attractive they are to reality stars and also asked if they fantasized about living the lifestyle of reality stars. Furthermore, participates where asked if they were satisfied with their overall body appearance and if they judged how attractive they are based on reality stars on television. About 30% of the respondents said they have compared their body to reality stars they see on television. Almost half of the respondents reported that they feel the amount of time viewers spend watching reality shows may effect or influence their everyday habits. Furthermore, the data detected that 38% of the respondents strongly agree that they judge themselves by the reality stars they see on television; while, about 15% mildly disagree that they judge themselves by the reality stars they see on television. In addition, about 37% of the respondents agreed that reality television has negative effects and or influences on it viewers and about 15% strongly disagree that there is a positive outcome in watching reality television

Download

Share

COinS