Since reality TV is a relatively new entertainment phenomenon that can have many different forms and formats, all of its possible effects are probably not yet known. The effects of reality TV that are known include an altered sense of what may be real and what may not be, as well as unique types of relationships or connections among the contestants. Television stations enjoy the effects of profitable advertising revenue as nationally broadcast reality programs garner large audiences which allow ad spots on the show to be charged at top prices. Other effects of reality TV involve many contestants being recognized as celebrities by the public, and perhaps even furthering a television career after appearing on one or more of these programs.
For example, Elisabeth Hasslebeck was a contestant on the reality television show Survivor who then became a co-host on the popular American daytime talk show The View. Some people who hope to be actors do sign up to be on reality shows in the hopes of becoming noticed by producers and directors. Especially if a reality participant becomes popular with viewers, he or she may be asked to participate in programs by the same television network or even a competing one. In this way, the effects of reality TV may offer those to want to work in television opportunities to do so that they probably wouldn't have had if they hadn't appeared in one of these programs.
Since national reality TV shows tend to have large audiences, television stations can charge advertisers top prices for the ad spots that air during the shows. This profitability has supported the effects of reality TV's prevalence in the television lineup. Whereas decades ago, game shows and other programs involving contestants competing for prizes weren't anywhere near as dominant in number as situation comedies, dramas and other fare, today that has changed for the most part. Some reality programs have different episodes aired several times a week rather than just weekly.
A skewed sense of reality is often cited as an ironic effect of this type of television programming. For example, in the weeks or months that a reality show takes place, game alliances may be mistaken for friendships. Sometimes, participants who think they are making good friends are in fact just being used to get ahead in the game and end up being voted out by the person or people they trusted. The effects of reality TV on audiences can include a false sense of what is really happening. For example, television editing can make some participants seem quieter than the others even if this really isn't the case, simply by showing them less often than others in the show.
