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As a TV addict, I did some soul-searching about why I watch certain shows. The answers that came to me are complicated and disturbing ( A lightbulb moment!). I will share with you my opinion about why viewers like a TV show and how they respond.
Viewers fall into different groups by age, social and cultural orientation, religion, gender etc. To some extent, these factors determine the choices they make (what TV shows they prefer) and how they respond.
The choices are often made subconsciously, as most of us tune in for entertainment. Interestingly, even the most conscious of viewers may find themselves watching a show they found randomly while flipping through the channels... and end up watching it for years!
TV shows often employ the sublime strategies that lure and manipulate the consumers into buying certain products. Supermarket tactics include the use of soft lights, soothing music, strategic grouping of products and so on. To highlight to the case of advertisements, merely mentioning one name is sufficient - 'Fair & Lovely'.
Similarly, TV shows exploit our vulnerability towards love, family values, ethics etc. This is emotional blackmailing raised to a sophisticated art form. Once we start watching a show, it becomes difficult to stop or get away.... because of the sense of attachment and responsibility. And we all know how difficult it is to break a habit. In extreme cases, a handful of people feel guilty for not watching their favorite show. Some die-hard fans will not criticize the show under any circumstances - some chose not to, others could be in denial, and few would go as far as condemning the critics.
There is another dreaded pitfall - the FAD! Many viewers rush into watching reality shows like Fear Factor and MTV Roadies. The fan-following grows exponentially in online and offline communities, and it happens way faster than the Zombification we've seen in Resident Evil and Dawn of the Dead. Very few would ever bother to find out the difference between FEAR Factor and DISGUST Factor.
The participants are equally miserable. Wannabe Roadies put up with all the slapping, bullying and humiliation during the selection process. And when they become a roadie, collecting animal faeces with bare hands earns them immunity - bonus points awarded for fresh droppings. Backstabbers are hailed as the smartest players. Defaming female roadies, fighting like in 'Jerry Springer's Show' are part of the game. After surviving the joint verbal (sometimes physical, too) abuse from all the eliminated players, the greatest conspirator runs away with the grand prize. You can't help but wonder, how many of these people know the true meaning of the word 'Roadie'? And the viewers' response? They can't get enough of it!
I'm just another vulnerable viewer but I know where I stand. I will not eat insects to go to Malaysia! I refuse to sit and wait like a vulture at the rear end of a horse to collect fresh droppings, I never want to go to Australia! I will not fart on TV for fame, or attempt to fight the effects of laxative for sake of money or camaraderie! Forget playing 'SlapRaghu' online, I wouldn't mind doing it in person.
(P.S. for those who don't watch Roadies... these references are based on some actual tasks Roadies have had to do. Raghu Ram is one of the selectors of the show, there is a game online where you can slap him!)
Well, that's just me...but what about you? Tell me, Please! :)
Viewers fall into different groups by age, social and cultural orientation, religion, gender etc. To some extent, these factors determine the choices they make (what TV shows they prefer) and how they respond.
The choices are often made subconsciously, as most of us tune in for entertainment. Interestingly, even the most conscious of viewers may find themselves watching a show they found randomly while flipping through the channels... and end up watching it for years!
TV shows often employ the sublime strategies that lure and manipulate the consumers into buying certain products. Supermarket tactics include the use of soft lights, soothing music, strategic grouping of products and so on. To highlight to the case of advertisements, merely mentioning one name is sufficient - 'Fair & Lovely'.
Similarly, TV shows exploit our vulnerability towards love, family values, ethics etc. This is emotional blackmailing raised to a sophisticated art form. Once we start watching a show, it becomes difficult to stop or get away.... because of the sense of attachment and responsibility. And we all know how difficult it is to break a habit. In extreme cases, a handful of people feel guilty for not watching their favorite show. Some die-hard fans will not criticize the show under any circumstances - some chose not to, others could be in denial, and few would go as far as condemning the critics.
There is another dreaded pitfall - the FAD! Many viewers rush into watching reality shows like Fear Factor and MTV Roadies. The fan-following grows exponentially in online and offline communities, and it happens way faster than the Zombification we've seen in Resident Evil and Dawn of the Dead. Very few would ever bother to find out the difference between FEAR Factor and DISGUST Factor.
The participants are equally miserable. Wannabe Roadies put up with all the slapping, bullying and humiliation during the selection process. And when they become a roadie, collecting animal faeces with bare hands earns them immunity - bonus points awarded for fresh droppings. Backstabbers are hailed as the smartest players. Defaming female roadies, fighting like in 'Jerry Springer's Show' are part of the game. After surviving the joint verbal (sometimes physical, too) abuse from all the eliminated players, the greatest conspirator runs away with the grand prize. You can't help but wonder, how many of these people know the true meaning of the word 'Roadie'? And the viewers' response? They can't get enough of it!
I'm just another vulnerable viewer but I know where I stand. I will not eat insects to go to Malaysia! I refuse to sit and wait like a vulture at the rear end of a horse to collect fresh droppings, I never want to go to Australia! I will not fart on TV for fame, or attempt to fight the effects of laxative for sake of money or camaraderie! Forget playing 'SlapRaghu' online, I wouldn't mind doing it in person.
(P.S. for those who don't watch Roadies... these references are based on some actual tasks Roadies have had to do. Raghu Ram is one of the selectors of the show, there is a game online where you can slap him!)
Well, that's just me...but what about you? Tell me, Please! :)
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