How reality TV changed the way we think - for the better

Reality TV has had a huge impact on the way people watch television and think about society, especially in the UK. It all began 25 years ago with the first season of Big Brother, a show where a group of strangers lived together in a house, cut off from the outside world, while cameras recorded everything they did. The public could watch their daily lives and vote to evict contestants each week. One of the most memorable moments was when Nick Bateman, known as 'Nasty Nick,' was caught trying to manipulate the votes of other housemates. His removal from the house became front-page news and sparked a national debate about the ethics of reality TV. Some critics called the show harmful and accused it of lowering the standards of television, but millions of viewers tuned in, showing that the public was fascinated by this new kind of programming.

Since then, reality TV has grown into one of the most popular genres in the UK. Shows like The Traitors and Love Island attract millions of viewers, even as some people continue to criticize them for being shallow or even harmful. Over the years, there have been concerns about the mental health and well-being of contestants, leading to changes in how these shows are produced. However, some psychologists and social experts argue that reality TV can have positive effects. For example, reality TV often features a more diverse range of people than other types of shows, which can help viewers understand different perspectives and experiences. Watching ordinary people deal with real-life challenges and emotions can make viewers feel less alone and more connected to others.

Reality TV has also helped raise awareness about important issues. For instance, the show Embarrassing Bodies helped destigmatize health problems by showing real people seeking medical advice. Pete Bennett, who won Big Brother in 2006 and has Tourette's syndrome, said that being on the show helped people understand his condition and made him feel accepted. Reality TV has also sparked conversations about difficult topics like domestic abuse and mental health. While some shows are carefully edited to create drama, they can still encourage viewers to think about how they would react in similar situations. In recent years, TV producers have introduced new rules to protect contestants, such as providing mental health support and training on how to handle social media. Reality TV reflects society back to us, and sometimes, it can even help change it for the better by starting important conversations and encouraging empathy.