JOURNAL ARTICLE

The Role of Reality Television in Shaping Youth Behaviour and Social Attitudesamong the Youth of Dehradun

Simran Kunwar

M.A. Journalism & Mass Communication, Department of Mass Communication, School of Humanities and SocialSciences, Shri Guru Ram Rai University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India

Dr. Arti Bhatt

Assistant Professor, Department of Mass Communication, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Shri GuruRam Rai University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India

WitWaves Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, Volume 2, Issue 11, 2025, 4f30e603-24fc-4307-a95c-dccac1582a63

https://doi.org/10.64175/wjmr.vol.2.issue11.1

Published: 01 November 2025

PDF

Abstract

Reality TV has become one of the most popular forms of entertainment in today's mediaworld. It's not just about fun and distraction; it also plays a big role in shaping how people,especially young people, think, behave, and see the world around them. This researchaims to understand how reality TV affects the youth in Dehradun, looking at areas likelifestyle, the way they speak, fashion choices, personal growth, and the values they hold.The study explores how these shows influence the thoughts and actions of young peoplein the city. Reality TV isn't just something people watch in the background anymore-it's everywhere, blending real-life moments with exaggerated drama, and it's changinghow viewers see the world and themselves. The research looks at what happens whenyoung people spend time with these shows. Do they start imitating celebrities? Do theybecome more focused on their looks? Does the competition shown on screen change howthey pursue success or deal with relationships? Reality TV can have a positive effect onyoung people by helping them feel more confident, spotlighting their talents, and evenmaking them think about important social issues. But there's another side to it. These shows can also promote materialism, encourage quick judgments based on looks, andcreate unrealistic expectations about life. By looking at all these aspects, the study helpsus understand just how much media can influence youth culture. It also provides valuableinsights for teachers, parents, and policymakers who want to help young people engagewith media more thoughtfully. The research found that most respondents watch realityTV regularly, and these shows have a strong impact on their attitudes, how they expressthemselves, and how they interact with others. The study concludes that while reality TVcan be motivating and entertaining, it also reinforces unrealistic values and encouragesmore aggressive communication styles.

Cite this article