By SHARON MOORE

Staff Writer

Reality television is a prevalent component of society today. It pervades all channels at all hours, reality 24/7. Because the viewing audience doesn't experience reality, they need it blared from the boob-tube to make them feel alive. Life is generally boring.

America is obsessed with reality shows. There is literally something for everyone. Shows where intellects become millionaires, singles go on dates, thrill-seekers eat bugs, couples are enticed to cheat, normal people survive and families trade spaces.

Dr. Cathy Martin, an associate professor of social sciences, doesn't watch reality shows and doesn't know why America is obsessed with them.

"[The obsession] certainly says something about our culture," Martin said. "Folks wonder how they would do in a situation."

Martin also said that many people don't have anything better to do with their time and that fewer people are sitting down and reading good novels than in the past.

"Our level of what we require in entertainment has sunk to a new low," Martin said. "There are just too many choices [for entertainment]."

Martin says one reason for the obsession is the pursuit of and belief in the American dream. "On 'American Idol,' even the people who don't make it can get recognition," she said.

Lisa Stimers, a freshman graphic design major, shares the ideology of Martin.

"It's about being stupid and getting 15 minutes of fame," Stimers said, "but it's not worth it."

Stimers said Americans are obsessed with the "so-called" reality shows because they are not happy with their own lives and are trying to fill a void. She also said the reality shows of today are not true "reality."

"The 'Real World' was true reality back in the day," Stimers said. "If you watch it now, it's an act."

Miguel Garcia, a sophomore biomedical engineering major, said the purpose of reality TV is entertainment. "Someone has to be humiliated, someone has to be in love, something like that," Garcia said.

Cassie Martin, a sophomore speech major, finds reality shows funny because the people try to portray themselves as something they are not.

"It isn't reality at all," she said. "Everyone who watches knows it doesn't happen."

Russ Roberts, a sophomore medical technology major, likes reality TV for the most part because it is different from regular TV shows.

"People can think and make decisions instead of just following a script," Roberts said. "It makes things more interesting."

Dr. Tony Young has not researched the obsession of Americans and reality shows, but as head of the psychology department, he does have an educated guess.

"People's lives are quite boring," Young said. "By watching reality shows, they can vicariously experience life through someone else."

Young said most people may feel their lives have no impact on anything. However, they can watch people on TV doing things and making impacts and find it exciting.

Young stressed that he had not studied the subject thoroughly. He was only giving an opinion.

"That's not psychology, that's just Tony."