Then, a fourth reason is that reality shows can sometimes reveal situations of success, which in turn inspire and motivate the audiences to change their lives for the better. Examples of such shows include Dr. 90210, in which plastic surgeons operate on patients, change their appearance and as such increase their self-esteem, or the several shows revealing people fighting, and beating, obesity (Goodman). These types of reality shows set the example that something can be done, and how it can be done, in order to achieve one's personal goals. Additionally, they can be used to send political messages. An example in this sense is the Dove campaign, which sends the message that "For too long, beauty has been defined by narrow, stifling stereotypes […] it's time to change all that" (Daum).

The money or other non-financial rewards involved in the television show make up for the fifth reason as to...
[ View Full Essay]