WHENEVER YOU TURN ON YOUR TV these days, chances are, a reality show will be airing. While the genre has been in existence for decades, there seems to be more and more of them on both local and foreign channels.

What are the pros and cons of this proliferation of reality TV shows? Some viewers share what they like and don?t like:

?The proliferation of reality shows is a sign of desperation and depression. They only appeal to many because people associate themselves with the roles or activities of the participants. They give viewers the illusion that even normal people can have his/her share of fame in an instant.

?The shows hold auditions, so people are made to believe that any person can make it on TV, and become an instant millionaire. But, the selection process is unfair, since it gets clouded by popularity votes.

Value

?Reality shows are not real. They?re products of the visions of producers or directors who frame the ?reality? of a show depending on the responses of its audience. In the end, creative value is downgraded, losing objectivity in discovering pure talent.? ?Melanie Dunham, pastry chef

?In reality shows, viewers see actual events and real emotions, so that?s a good thing. But, it?s not good when the content is being exaggerated, or kung nawawalan ng limit sa pinapalabas. May tolerance limit ang viewers. My favorite show is ?The Amazing Race,? because it shows the different angles of human relationships, and how conflict affects teamwork and decision-making.? ?Calvin Perez, NGO employee

?Ordinary people get the chance to be in the spotlight. Perhaps, this could be one of the major reasons why reality shows are so popular. All of a sudden, nothing seems sacred or unattainable anymore. On the flip side, some of these shows seem to be more ?staged? than spontaneous. Emotions and issues get overplayed or are faked. It?s all about the ratings, after all.? ?Mark Castro, IT consultant

?Reality TV proliferates because people who are in charge of putting up shows are too lazy to look for good scripts or create a good program the old-fashioned way. They?re also influenced by their corporate bosses, who just want to make a profit.

Offenses

?Now, the audience can decide what?s going to happen in the show by spending, and whoever spends the most will get what he wants. Plus, people act differently when they know they?re being filmed. On ?Parking Wars? and ?Border Security,? for instance, I bet the authorities wouldn?t be so strict with people?s minor offenses when there?s no camera around.? ?Ma. Angela Rivera, college student

?If reality TV helps ease the stress of viewers, that?s a good thing. Problem is, the producers of these shows, especially here in the Philippines, make them too ?show biz??the truth is somewhat distorted to get high ratings. That?s why my favorite is ?The Amazing Race,? because it?s pure competition, and shows the best that people can be.? ?Ferdinand Rondon, teacher

?The proliferation of reality shows is a good thing. I like the ?Biggest Loser??I admit that when I was watching it, I decided to stop eating ice cream. The show inspires viewers to rethink their diet and exercise regimens?and that?s good!? ?Darnel Moscoso, law graduate