Perceptions of the Authenticity of Reality Programs and Their Relationships to Audience Involvement, Enjoyment, and Perceived Learning

Abstract

This study investigated whether perceptions of reality programs' authenticity are associated with viewer involvement, enjoyment, and perceived learning. 240 viewers completed a survey about their impressions of the reality program they watch most frequently. Four dimensions of the perceived authenticity were identified: cast eccentricity, representativeness, candidness, and producer manipulation. Perceptions that the cast was not eccentric, that they were representative of people the respondents could meet, that they were behaving candidly, and that the producers were manipulating the show were associated with cognitive involvement. Cast representativeness was also positively associated with social involvement. Cognitive and social involvement were each associated with enjoyment. Perceptions of the cast members' representativeness, candidness, and lack of eccentricity were associated with increases in perceived learning from the shows. Perceptions of the Authenticity of Reality Programs 3 Perceptions of the Authenticity of Reality Programs and Their Relationships to Audience Involvement, Enjoyment, and Perceived Learning Reality programs are now a staple of television programming. The programs have obvious advantages for broadcasters. They are inexpensive to produce, offer considerable scheduling flexibility, and are less dependent on actors and writers than scripted programming. The nature of the appeal that these shows hold for the audience, however, is less clear. Several researchers have begun to investigate the program features and viewer attributes that are associated with enjoyment of or exposure to reality programs (e.g.

Glorifying the Simple Life

“…Another reason for the increasing number of reality TV shows is the fact that these kinds of programs can be produced at a fairly low cost, and thus, are highly profitable (e.g., Hall, 2009;Coyne et al, 2010). On the one hand, there is no need for an expensive script since the plot equates to the actors' supposed daily life.…”

“…It occurs when people compare themselves to others in order to gain a firm evaluation of the self (Festinger, 1954). Compared to these predominantly negative feelings, it is also possible that viewers like the characters shown on reality TV and might identify with them (Hall, 2009; see Chapter 3.4.1). Likewise, Hall (2006) named schadenfreude as one of the reasons why people watch reality TV, for instance when a candidate in a casting show sings very badly and consequently has to leave the show (see Chapter 3.4.2).…”

“…First, this connection between intended arousal and enjoyment supports Mood Management Theory (see also Chapter 2.1.3). Hall (2009) examined the association between viewers' perceptions of reality programs' authenticity and involvement, enjoyment, and perceived learning, and thus how perceived authenticity influences audiences' responses to those shows. Papacharissi & Mendelson (2007) identified reality TV motives related to selfperception and their involvement with reality TV and analyzed the influence of social and psychological factors on reality TV motives.…”

Structural equation modelling of reality TV shows in the Philippines vis a vis people’s phenomenological views

“…Not a single attempt of any intervention has been done to solve this problem because the shows are generating a lot of money for the network despite of an outward disregard for standard artistry. Nevertheless, the previous studies only investigated the bivariate relationships of the factors that influence authenticity of reality programs (Andrejevic 2004;Hall 2009;Nabi et al 2003). Hence, no study has been conducted to find the interrelationships of the factors and explore the best fit model to explain the merit of reality TV shows.…”

Promoting Problem-Based Learning in Retailing and Services Marketing Course Curricula With Reality Television

“…As Hall (2009) stated, "audiences define reality shows in terms of a focus on real people playing themselves" (p. 516); thus, a certain amount of authenticity inherent in reality programming exists. Despite the so-called realness of the reality television genre, taken at face value, reality television seems to provide little in the way of learning.…”