Reality TV series, especially the sensational ‘Keeping Up With The Kardashians,’ are often seen as harmless guilty pleasures for millions. However, a recent study suggests that indulging in such “materialistic media” may actually lead to a decline in empathy for those less fortunate.
Conducted by researchers at the London School of Economics and Political Science, the study involved 487 British adults aged 18 to 49, divided into two groups. One group was exposed to luxury product ads, tabloid images of celebrities flaunting wealth, and headlines about rags-to-riches stories. The other group viewed neutral content featuring ads for the London Underground, serene natural landscapes, and dinosaur headlines. Afterward, participants answered questions gauging their attitudes toward wealth, government assistance, impoverished individuals, and support for public policies resembling UK tax cuts and austerity measures known to negatively impact welfare programs.
Participants also shared their viewing habits of various shows, including ‘Keeping Up With The Kardashians,’ and their reading preferences for daily tabloids and magazines that promote luxury lifestyles. The results were telling: those who frequently watched wealth-celebrating shows showed stronger materialistic views and less support for welfare programs.
Dr. Emma Grayson, a researcher at LSE’s Department of Media and Communications, explained, “Our findings indicate that both brief exposure to and regular consumption of materialistic media messages can lead to heightened materialism and anti-welfare sentiments.” The allure of shows like the Kardashians, packed with materialistic themes, can cultivate selfishness and insensitivity toward those in need.
Moreover, beyond fostering an unsympathetic attitude, these shows have been linked to various negative outcomes, such as body image issues and increased anxiety levels in children.
If you find yourself captivated by the Kardashians, it’s worth keeping this study in mind as a reminder of what such media consumption can do to your perspective on the world. Reality TV may claim to depict “reality,” but it often strays far from the truth.
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In conclusion, while it’s perfectly okay to enjoy some reality TV, be mindful of how it shapes your values and empathy towards others.
Keyphrase: Reality TV and empathy
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