Who Puts the "Real" in Reality?

Do reality television shows have the ability to shape how people interact with one another?

Within the past 10 years the market for reality television has increased substantially. It was suggested that in 2005 4 out of every 5 people thought there was too many reality shows on the air, yet the amount of reality television available and the ridiculousness of reality television topics seems to be ever increasing. 

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Shows with malicious "real" people battling for money, prestige, or fame seem to be among the most popular programs. Television such as Survivor, Big Brother, and The Real Housewives all involve repeatedly dramatic episodes of cast members bullying and belittling other cast members for their own egotistical desires. Which leads us to the question why is reality television so popular?

For some, reality television serves as a guilty pleasure. I must admit, I follow many reality television series simply because they are an escape from the grind of day to day life, but upon watching these series it leads me to question the influence that reality television could be having on my perspective of human interaction. How "real" are women cruising around in cars costing half a million dollars, head to toe in plastic surgery, and screaming obscenities at one another while belligerently drunk off of expensive chardonnay (ie. Real Housewives of Vancouver)?

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I think it is reasonable to believe that the more we identify with reality television and perceive it as "reality" the more susceptible we are to behaving in inhumane ways. Seeing aggressive, domineering, and outrageous behaviours being promoted by reality TV characters can actually influence the way viewers behave in their lives. Think about it, people look at those portrayed in media as role models. Children and adolescence are even more susceptible to model behaviours they see on television because they are at a crucial time for developing their identities.

Research on the effects of reality television and interpersonal communication and hostility are limited because reality television is a relatively new phenomenon. There is no doubt in my mind that longitudinal studies will eventually show adverse effects on interpersonal relationships that could be attributed to reality television.

How do you think the changing shift towards reality television is affecting the new generation? Should we, as consumers of reality television, be concerned with the effects it may have on the future? Or is it simply another mindless outlet of indulgence?