The X-Factor, American Idol, Britain’s Got Talent, America’s next top model, Big Brother: these are all reality TV shows. They raise a number of issues. Are they brainwashing us, is the public vote fair or bias towards the contestants, are they all just a waste of time?

The X-Factor particularly is a show that is adored all over Great Britain. People love to laugh at strange auditions, develop a want for a particular act to win the show and eventually vote for them in the live finals. However can the public be trusted to be professional and vote for a contestant that has the voice and the talent to be the winner? In many cases, the public will vote for a contestant merely because of their looks. Surely a person with talent such as some of the people on this show should have their fate handled by a professional? Is it fair to allow the public who are at times inconsistent voters to make or break the dreams of a helpless person? Many people would disagree with this point of view. Maybe it is fair for the public to decide who they want to listen to on the radio in the future; after all it’s the public who are the audience.

Another issue raised by these programmes is the potential “dumbing down” of popular culture. Is it right that we are watching these programmes rather than a more diverse range of drama, music, documentaries and current affairs? In one sense, this is true, however one could argue that there is nothing wrong with watching these programmes once in a while as, for many people, it is compelling entertainment. I think it is fair to say that watching these programmes as well as more cultural ones is the best way of enjoying entertainment on the television.

Of course there is more to life than the screen in your living room! So whilst getting your fair share of entertainment and relaxation from the TV, don’t spend all your free time on the sofa!

By Community Correspondent Hannah Marsters