Reality television: competing for the “beeps”

By Dr. Samir Parikh, 18 November 2010 | Category: Mental Health 

Channel surfing can be quite a nightmare especially if you have any amount of sensitivity or sensibility. The kind of stuff that is showcased on most channels in the name of reality television, at best can be mind-boggling. We have a whole range of shows, which are televised more so on prime time. This could range from people giving judgment about other peoples’ lives, this could involve a group of people put away from the world and not knowing how to behave in a dignified manner. It could involve some people trying to figure out ways to showcase that they are brave, at the expense of basic sensibility, or almost crossing the limits of dignified viewing in the name of fantasy and sometimes trying to figure out ways to break a relationship or more shockingly ways to determine whether money and relationships can be bought and sold. This is an endless list, a very scary list!

A whole range of shows is available. And the sad part is that all this happens as though it is a true reflection of the existing reality. As if the actual social systems of our society are being displayed, whereas that obviously is not the case. One has to understand that what one sees on television is not at all a reflection of what the common man experiences. In fact it is an exaggeration at almost every level. And sometimes it makes one wonder as to are we even looking at something that is real or is it something that is made to be real?

My worry as a psychiatrist is the impact it has on people, particularly children and adolescents. Children and adolescents are very vulnerable. They are vulnerable in every way and are prone to such things as copying or imitation, to actually believing that this is a form of reality and that this distorted reality can actually form a perception for them through which they would look at life. And this could prove extremely harmful to their development and in return to what the society may actually end up being.

One of the most interesting things that I have found about television in the modern times is that the use of “beep”. It’s as though just by beeping something you would not be able to figure out what the other person said or was doing and there almost seems to be a competition between one channel and the other and one show to the other, as to who has how many more beeps! And the more beeps you can give you end up being more popular it would seem!! This is quite sad. Just imagine if in our real life if we actually would be like this, what would be the consequences?

One almost wonders are we looking at dumb to dumber or mean to meaner where mean to meaner is what we see and dumb to dumber is what we become as time moves on. This is a worrisome trend. I have never been comfortable with the idea of external agencies censoring creativity, but at the same time in the name of creativity sensitivity and responsibility cannot be compromised at any cost. Self-censorship is a must and not just that. Clear guidance about parental viewing and guidance needs to be taken care of. Somewhere we also need to look at the kind of time slots that are allotted for these shows so that viewership by children and adolescents is curtailed.

So somewhere a deeper understanding needs to be generated that entertainment cannot be at the cost of social responsibility. There has to be a sense of accountability, not just to the self but also to the community and society at large. We all need to have our own human sensitivity in place and make decisions accordingly.

Maybe it’s time to “beep off” the unreality!

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3 Responses to “Reality television: competing for the “beeps””

1. Vishwa says:

   August 26, 2011 at 6:12 am

   26 August 2011 at 03.09 p.m.

   Dear Dr. Parikh,
   I think how do we perceive things is really important. Our sensitivity, sensibility, level of awareness and experience are behind our perception.
   Many shows are forced on the tv and we watch them out of our curiosity.
   They can affect the developing sense of discrimination in children and adolescents.
   What’s behind those “beeps” remains behind, and “beeps” themselves grabs all our attention.
   Creativity should never be censored, but promoted. What should be censored are those things which affect people’s sensitivity and their well-being. Then we can create a better society for ourselves.
   Thank you,

   Regards.

   Reply
2. shveta says:

   August 8, 2011 at 6:22 am

   sir,

   my son was diagnosed with DSL and undergone therapy for 2 years but still he lacks in study . can you advise us where to go and which place. he is right now 6 yrs.
   thank you,
   regards,

   shveta

   Reply
3. Vivek Prashad says:

   November 25, 2010 at 1:28 am

   Dear Dr. Parikh,
   I read your article yesterday about not having excessive competitive feelings towards colleaguesa and accepting who we are as ways to stay happy and contented.
   I found it very relevant for me as I have fallen behind in my career as compared to my colleagues and friends due to reasons not in my control.

   Looking forward to more of your articles.

   Regards.

   Reply