In a world oversaturated with entertainment options, reality TV is a unique genre that requires a specific type of viewer. Women who are obsessed with reality TV are more than just passive watchers; they’re emotionally and socially advanced.
Despite often being seen as “mindless entertainment,” an interest in reality TV actually indicates the presence of certain emotional and intellectual traits and aids in the development of psychological and social skills. These traits will make you rethink everything you know about reality TV super-fans.
Andres Ayrton | Canva Pro
Reality TV provides an opportunity to watch people navigate social dynamics without being involved. Viewers can see how different types of people handle stress and conflict, and observe raw emotional reactions like heartbreak, anger, and joy.
Women who watch reality TV learn how to better recognize and process emotional cues and are often more equipped to navigate relationships and social situations. Each show is a case study in human nature and interaction, and there’s a lot that can be learned and applied in real life.
Psychologist María Cartagena of the Serendipia Psychology Clinic Told Aceprensa“The main reason we watch reality TV could very well be rooted in how strongly we identify with, are interested in, or empathize with one participant or another.”
: The Smartest Person You Know Watches Reality TV
Curiosity is a cornerstone of reality TV. That need to know “what happens next?” keeps viewers returning week after week. Viewers of reality TV have a natural sense of curiosity that makes them want to learn and understand more.
Viewers can get a glimpse into the lives of unique groups of people, like those who are extremely rich or famous, and it provides the opportunity to watch something without being triggered by familiar stressors. The lifestyles that these stars live are something that is foreign to many people, and women tend to be intrigued because of their natural curiosity.
In an article for MediumAlthia G McLaughlin, MA, LCMHC, explained that the curiosity evoked by reality TV can actually open up opportunities and experiences for many women. She wrote, “I once met a young woman at a dance conference who told me that she began taking ballroom dancing classes and salsa lessons solely because she became a fan of ‘Dancing With The Stars.’ She is actually a very good dancer with great technique and great passion for the art form. Reality programs have the ability to inspire us to try new things. They have the power to increase our knowledge and the ability to ignite new interests that can enrich our lives.”
Everyone knows that reality TV can be a bit ridiculous and over-the-top at times. It’s hard not to find the humor in a poorly timed joke or an awkward situation. Viewers of reality TV know not to take it too seriously and can laugh at the absurdity of it.
Both the intentional and unintentional comedy strengthen how women who watch reality TV interpret and enjoy humor in real life. They tend to be more light-hearted and are usually better at taking a joke, which are often desirable characteristics.
: People With This Type Of Humor Are More Intelligent, According To Research
Viewers of reality TV are often highly intellectual. They have the ability to watch something for fun while also thinking deeply about it. Even subconsciously, viewers are analyzing each situation and reaction and learning something from it. Beyond that, however, is the fact that people who spend their days using their brains need to decompress, and reality TV gives them the opportunity to be entertained while resting their minds. As Genevieve Tankosich explained in a TikTok, it’s no different than a man watching football to decompress.
Being able to think critically sets you apart in life. It leads to more success in work and school and improves reactions to unexpected events. Women who watch reality TV have the capabilities to think on a deeper level and adapt much better because of how they view others’ experiences.
Though it’s centered around entertainment, reality TV offers a glimpse into intimate and personal situations. Viewers get to know a lot about the stars and their lives, and as McLaughlin noted, establish a level of connection, so they tend to feel empathetic during moments of vulnerability. She wrote, “People who watch reality television are also able to establish ‘connections’ with its characters. Since viewers are able to live under the illusion that they are witnessing the ‘real,’ everyday lives of the show’s characters, viewers are able to convince themselves that they know these characters and have a sort of ‘relationship’ with them. “
The exposure to a diverse range of lives and personalities broadens a viewer’s understanding of others’ struggles and experiences. Women who watch reality TV find that they can often relate in some way and might see different perspectives on how to handle certain challenges. By watching the stars grow and change throughout the show, viewers can also celebrate their successes and moments of joy.
: Women Who Watch Reality TV & Men Who Watch Football Have A Lot More In Common Than They’d Like To Admit
Kayla Asbach is a writer currently working on her bachelor’s degree at the University of Central Florida. She covers relationships, psychology, self-help, pop culture, and human interest topics.
