Is Reality Television Becoming Your Reality?
Poster Number
46
Format
Poster Presentation
Faculty Mentor Name
George Lewis
Faculty Mentor Department
Psychology
Abstract/Artist Statement
Reality TV is a popular genre deserving sociological investigation. But, to what extent do watching these shows create a change in ones perception of what is “real” and what is not real? Our study explores how alcohol consumption is perceived by those watching Reality TV--does it change the consumption rates (how many alcoholic beverages an individual consumes) because of what they think is, on these shows, “real?” We ask “Does attraction or dislike for Reality TV viewing have any relation to one's reported consumption of alcohol?” Our preliminary findings suggest that there is an increase in alcohol consumption connected to increase in watching Reality TV shows. Subjects responded they did feel that drinking is a good way to meet people and that consuming alcohol is socially acceptable. A small number of respondents themselves as binge drinkers and have also reported a high degree of watching and enjoying Reality TV. The next step includes the correlation of education level, age and employment status to pinpoint how relevant is alcohol consumption with Reality TV, and which show.
Location
DeRosa University Center, Ballroom
Start Date
21-4-2011 6:00 PM
End Date
21-4-2011 8:00 PM
Is Reality Television Becoming Your Reality?
DeRosa University Center, Ballroom
Reality TV is a popular genre deserving sociological investigation. But, to what extent do watching these shows create a change in ones perception of what is “real” and what is not real? Our study explores how alcohol consumption is perceived by those watching Reality TV--does it change the consumption rates (how many alcoholic beverages an individual consumes) because of what they think is, on these shows, “real?” We ask “Does attraction or dislike for Reality TV viewing have any relation to one's reported consumption of alcohol?” Our preliminary findings suggest that there is an increase in alcohol consumption connected to increase in watching Reality TV shows. Subjects responded they did feel that drinking is a good way to meet people and that consuming alcohol is socially acceptable. A small number of respondents themselves as binge drinkers and have also reported a high degree of watching and enjoying Reality TV. The next step includes the correlation of education level, age and employment status to pinpoint how relevant is alcohol consumption with Reality TV, and which show.