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I grew up as a fan of the Real World, probably spurned on by my father's dislike for the show and his decision to forbid me from watching MTV. Unfortunately, telling a young teenager that they can't watch something is probably a guarantee that it will be hooked. Watching the San Francisco season of the show and knowing that all the fun was happening just half an hour from my home really made me curios as to this phenomenon of reality television.

Reality television has expanded into a huge market. Every channel has their own shows where real people compete for prizes, or get stuck in a house with people they would never choose as roommates. You can live vicariously through these people in any number of contests or situations. Not every person is going to have an interest in every reality program, but there are so many currently running that you can take your pick.

Television Guilty Pleasures

I don't have any guilty pleasures when it comes to entertainment, at least in a way where I am embarrassed. Sure, I like reality television. It makes me happy. There's no need to justify the things we enjoy to others. Everyone has a favorite song or movie that may not be popular among their peers. My question is, so what? Your choices in entertainment are simply things that make you smile and there is no reason to be ashamed.

Indulging Interests

Though I have grown past my love for the Real World, it has been replaced by a plethora of favorite shows. I have a passion for food, and find myself unable to miss an episode Top Chef or Hell's Kitchen. However, I cook in my everyday life. I can also use reality television to find time for passions that I do not get to express at home, or for dreams I may never fulfill. Watching shows like Project Runway and America's Next Top Model allows me to spend that hour in the fashion world.

Finding a Balance

My television habits do not affect my performance at my job or change my proclivity towards more "useful" activities. I still read, spend time with friends and family, pursue my interests, and watch educational programming. Enjoying two or three reality shows a week seems no better or worse to me than enjoying scripted comedy. I still watch far less television than your average American.

Reality Versus Scripted Television

This begs the question, what is the difference between being entertained by a reality-based show versus a scripted show? So many detractors of reality television wonder where all the good scripted shows have gone, but if something can make you laugh and lighten the mood after a long day, isn't that its own reward? I may have loved Friends, but it didn't enhance my career, mental capacities, or social life any more than an episode of Sorority Life.

Fans of reality television - don't be ashamed of your choices! If you were the only one at home watching these types of shows, there would not be as many shows to choose from. Perhaps your friends and coworkers are merely insecure about enjoying television. Be proud of what makes you happy.

Learn more about this author, K.A. Smith.
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