Reality television sells itself as raw emotion, unscripted love and authentic conflict, but it’s not, and it’s actually harmful for young viewers. 

Behind the edits and viral moments is a carefully staged illusion that reshapes how audiences see relationships, success and beauty. 

Reality TV is no longer just entertainment, it’s an unrealistic depiction of what “authentic social behavior” is. 

“The Bachelor” franchise commonly advertises unrealistic situations with each season claiming to be “The most dramatic season yet.” 

Contestants have used the show as a platform to gain followers and become content creators.

I’ve personally stopped watching the franchise because of its repeated outcomes, and unfortunately other shows do the same upkeep of drama.

Spencer Pratt, a reality TV star from “The Hills,” a 2006 reality show, said producers edited his statements to create drama on the show, according to a July 10, 2021 California Post article. 

Pratt claimed many of his conversations on “The Hills” were heavily edited by producers to sound like abuse or over-sexualization.

 Any tampering, if done at all, brings a lack of trust to viewers and loses audiences.

For younger viewers whose identities are still forming, portrayals of hyper-idealized bodies on reality TV are also harmful.

“America’s Next Top Model” is a reality show about super models undergoing various challenges to gain the title of ‘America’s Next Top Model’ and a cash prize according to PlutoTV . 

The series faced criticism in a February documentary, called “Reality Check: America’s Next Top Model” on Netflix where former contestants spoke about their experiences with toxicity during filming and by its judges and host Tyra Banks. 

Contestants shared traumatic experiences and criticism from judges, with one notable judge being Janice Dickinson who often weight-shamed models, according to the documentary. 

A 2019 survey conducted found that 24% of 18 to 24 year olds felt reality TV increases their body insecurities, according to a July 22, 2019 Mental Health Foundation article.  

In addition to unrealistic body expectations, the depiction of self-harm on reality TV is dangerous to not only viewers but participants in said shows. 

Several suicides have been connected to reality TV including “Love Island” contestants Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassiti, according to a January 2025 Mission article. 

A popular movement in 2024 was the “Love Island effect” which greatly influenced young women into cosmetic enhancements, according to a June 2024 NBC article.

There has been a rising amount of young women that normalize the use of fillers and Botox to address imperfections, according to a CNN article 

Reality TV is also often criticized for normalizing toxic and abusive relationships. Shows like “Jersey Shore” and “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” depict domestic conflicts between couples too frequently.

Jeff Jenkins, the producer for “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” said he hopes that Taylor Frankie Paul would return in future seasons.

 “I certainly hope [she will film with the other women],” Jenkins said at Deadline’s Reality TV Summit on Friday, May 1, according to a May 2 Us Weekly article. “Again, first and foremost, is she healthy of body and mind, then we’ll talk about it.”

These portrayals blur the line between entertainment and harm which raises concerns over how such behavior is framed and consumed by audiences. 

While these conflicts make for juicy segments, there should be disclaimers for domestic abuse, fights and arguments captured on TV.

The issue isn’t that reality TV is staged, but rather that it’s perceived as the truth. 

Kids need stronger media literacy and viewers deserve greater accountability from show producers. 

Audiences should not have to wait for exposés or documentaries to reveal the truth behind these shows when show producers could provide more transparency about the production process.

While I enjoy some reality TV episodes, I feel we are in a society where celebrities continue to lie about false realities built into TV episodes.

If reality television presents itself as a reflection of real life, it should be held responsible for the realities it creates.