Why are we so obsessed with reality TV?

Welcome to the Reality Testing Podcast.  We are two psychologists who analyze the psychology behind reality TV weekly because let’s face it: we all have a fascination with reality TV and we watch our favorite shows every single week.

What is reality testing and why did we name our show this? 

Reality testing is the ability to accurately perceive the world around us and differentiate between what is real and not.  So much of what plays out on reality TV leaves us questioning whether the character on the screen is accurately differentiating between reality and delusion.  So we are taking this psychological concept and applying it to all our beloved reality TV shows. 

But why do we have a fascination with reality TV?

We break down the four different reasons that you might be participating with a little thing we like to call Reality TV Voyeurism, a key aspect of reality TV psychology. 

• Validation- We all need a little validation that we are normal and our favorite reality TV characters do that.  They show the worst part of themselves on camera.  We see how their relationships implode, their mental health declines in climatic moments on camera, and we see how they continue to show up in messy relationships.  We sit at home and watch these things and think “I don’t feel so [intense, impulsive, difficult to manage, etc ]for [that one thing I did when I was stressed].” 
• Fantasy – Reality TV allows us to imagine lives/lifestyles that are unrealistic.  We get a little extra feel-good moment when we see the lives these reality TV characters are living and we allow ourselves to fantasize about a bigger life. 
• Projection – Projection is when someone projects their own insecurities, longings, and desires onto another person.  When we watch reality TV, we allow ourselves to momentarily project onto the lives of strangers on the screen before us.  
• Escapism – Megan and Quincee have a funny little saying.  When we watch reality TV after a long day of clinical work, we say we are “putting our brains on ice.” We get to enter another world for a brief period of time and it can feel very relieving from the stressful parts of life.  This element of reality TV psychology helps us unwind.

Show Segments

Each week, we’ll be doing 3 different segments as we end the show and we think you’re going to love them. 

Reality Testing: Who needs some reality testing this week? 

Megan nominates Alexis Bellino for the reality TV character that needs some reality checks (or reality testing this week). She doesn’t seem to understand why Shannon Storms Beador doesn’t want her to attend the birthday trip to London.  

Quincee nominates Mary from Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.  She recently commented that her father lived in the same neighborhood as Jeffrey Dahmer and “smelled” something when walking by his apartment. What in the world?! This deserves a look into the psychology behind reality TV.

The Intake: What are your first impressions you had watching reality TV this week?

Megan’s intake is going to be with Heather Gay 2.0 this week. She came back to this season of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City 

Quincee is fascinated with Bronwyn’s entrance onto Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.  This is our second Bronwyn (Braunwyn) in the Real Housewives franchise.  She came in like a huge heart-shaped jacket and is already mad at the “friend” who brought her on the show. Understanding reality TV psychology, we see these interactions in a new light.

Segment: Dying to Discuss

Megan is dying to discuss Jax and Brittany from Vanderpump Rules and The Valley.  They’ve got a lot going on with their divorce and their son’s developmental delays & how this disruption in home life will affect him. There are so many things we don’t know yet like why the divorce is happening, why they are still allegedly doing the podcast together, and how they will film in the next season of The Valley. No doubt this involves some complex reality TV psychology.

Quincee is dying to discuss how much better The Valley was than Vanderpump this last season.  Is Vanderpump Rules even coming back for another season after the mess of last season? *Biting nails waiting for the news*

Let’s connect!

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You can find mental health support resources here!