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Reality TV and Social Media

Reality Tv is often described as trashy and as the viewers least favourite entertainment genre; and yet, its’ shows consistently win ratings. Reality TV has been dominant in TV programming for over 20 years even with the introduction of Netflix and other streaming programs to the market. Social media has had a big part to play in the continued popularity. Suddenly we have Reality Television creating Digital Publics.

 Not only do we have in-person spaces for people to discuss what happened in last night’s episode of the latest TV show, such as in the office or amongst friends, but social media has provided a space for a much wider audience to discuss, criticize, and express opinions often live while the show is running. It also creates an opportunity for reality stars and fans to interact, adding another layer to the show.

Deller describes reality Tv to be holding “up a mirror to human behaviour and interaction.” In the digital publics held on social media, fans broach subjects of social issues such as: sexism, roles of women, sexuality, gender, racism, discrimination and so, so much more. This can be seen in the digital public of #MAFS, where fans discuss these topics as well as individual scenes and people on the show.

“Reality television is a genre that is designed to elicit talk and shared opinions... not only in terms of judging the participants’ behaviours but also by speculating on the authenticity of what they are watching. This talk is not only found in homes, workplaces and schools, but also proliferates online in forums, web comments, blogs, vlogs and social media.” (Deller, 2019)

 Ru Paul’s Drag Race is a show where we can see a very strong digital public. The reality/competition-based show has many draw points of discussion.

·       Catchphrases

·       Fashion

·       Competition and interaction between contestants

·       Critiques of the judges

·       LGBT+ issues are addressed

·       Confrontation of homophobia, other bigotry, and oppression

 While the show has its flaws, it has helped transform general society’s view on Drag Queens and the LGBTQIA+ community. This is furthered by its availability, by being on cable television it can be accessed by a far broader audience than that who subscribe to a paid streaming service.

  Deller, Ruth A, (2019) Extract:  'Chapter Six: Reality Television in an Age of Social Media' Download 'Chapter Six: Reality Television in an Age of Social Media'in Reality Television: The TV Phenomenon That Changed the World (Emerald Publishing). 

Niall Brennan and David Gudelunas (2017) ‘Drag Culture, Global Participation and RuPaul’s Drag Race’, Download Drag Culture, Global Participation and RuPaul’s Drag Race’,intro to RuPaul’s Drag Race and the Shifting Visibility of Drag Culture: The Boundaries of Reality TV, Palgrave Macmillan.

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The Public Sphere

What is a public sphere? When individual people come together in a public space that has equal ad protected participation, unlimited access to information and which is outside of institutional influence. They gather to further critical knowledge using reason which can lead to political change.

Multiracial crowd of human hands and fists raised in the air with love symbols - solidarity, celebration, diversity and inclusion concept stock illustration (no date) iStock. Available at: https://www.istockphoto.com/vector/multiracial-crowd-of-human-hands-and-fists-raised-in-the-air-with-love-symbols-gm1297234871-390425828.

But, does the public sphere actually exist? Is there a space on social media that meets all the requirements of a ‘public sphere’? I’m not sure that there is a one space that isn’t overlooked by the platform to some extent, or where everyone has full access and equal participation. Public spheres are spaces where people need to feel safe to express themselves and their ideas and opinions, does that exist on social media?

For example, TikTok heavily relies on algorithms to bring content to the individual, meaning that people who may be interested in participating in a public sphere, may not know it even exists. Or, in a post-2018 Tumblr, restrictions are tighter and there is heavier supervision.

However, people believe that micro-publics have popped up all over different social media platforms. Facebook groups, comments, blogging, and hashtag activism.

#bodypositive

A hashtag that people tag their selfies with. A hashtag that has the potential to depict a greater diversity and authenticity, smashing through the so-called ideal female body. But its also at risk of promoting self-objectification, of internalising the ‘thin ideal’.

BUT, the hashtag brings together a community of like-minded people. People that believe in celebrating all bodies, people who embrace confidence and empowerment and who want to protest in favour of female beauty and more diversity. Solidarity across class, race, and sexuality.

  Anne Reif, Insa Miller & Monika Taddicken (2022) “Love the Skin You‘re In”: An Analysis of Women’s Self-Presentation and User Reactions to Selfies Using the Tumblr Hashtag #bodypositive Download “Love the Skin You‘re In”: An Analysis of Women’s Self-Presentation and User Reactions to Selfies Using the Tumblr Hashtag #bodypositive, Mass Communication and Society, DOI: 10.1080/15205436.2022.2138442Links to an external site.

Jonathon Hutchinson (2021) Micro-platformization for digital activism on social media, Information, Communication & Society, 24:1, 35-51, DOI: 10.1080/1369118X.2019.1629612Links to an external site.