A Study of The Factors Those Influence the Choice of Reality TV Show Based on The Psychological Desires Fulfilled
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INNOVATION, LEADERSHIP,
SOCIETY, AND SUSTAINABILITY
eISSN: XXXX-XXXX Vol I, Issue 1, Jan 2021 DOI :
A Study of The Factors Those Influence the Choice of Reality TV
Show Based on The Psychological Desires Fulfilled
Mr. Hemant Atre, Research Scholar, &
Dr. Deepak Tilak, Vice Chancellor, Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune.
Corresponding Author Email id: hemantatre372@gmail.com
Abstract
Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak (23 July 1856- 1 August 1920) was the fearless icon of the
independence movement. He was the harbinger of India’s mass upsurge. He strongly believed
that the failure of the 1857 Independence movement was because it could not garner adequate
public support. The then politics in India was driven by few English-educated people based
on European ideals, with no roots with the masses. Lokmanya brought awareness about the
oppression by the Britishers to the masses. He was often called the “Awakener of India” and
“Father of Indian Unrest” by the Britishers. But his path followed through being the “Father
of Indian Consciousness.” This awakening was carried out by making use of all existing
methods of mass communications including public celebrations and discourses, public
speeches, Newspapers, and educational institutions etc. Lokmanya was a great charismatic
leader who touched the “Nerve of the masses” and channelized their opinions towards
Independence.
In modern times, Television, which was invented in 1926 has an unmatched popularity
towards being a mass broadcaster. Initially, looked at as a means of transferring information
and education to the masses, it soon became an entertainment provider due to its wide reach.
As the daily soaps became repetitive, monotonous and common, people lost the interest in
watching the same serials with similar story lines and content. Reality TV shows replaced
these daily soaps and soon gained large scale popularity. As these shows started attracting
more and more audiences, the channels started making different shows based on different
subgenres. Today, the audiences have more options even while watching Reality TV shows.
Indian TV, though being introduced on a national scale as recently as in 1982, underwent all
the alterations very fast and caught up with the modern broadcasts. The Indian audience also
has a wide choice of Reality TV shows to choose from.
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ARISTOTLE, the Greek Philosopher, (384-322 BC) had opined that the deepest instincts of a human
being were to learn and to feel pleasure. He related that any action of a person was with the desired
end results which the person intended to achieve. Furthering this theory, Prof. (Dr.) STEVEN
REISS, while putting together other different existing philosophies about human nature, brought out
his „16 Basic Desires Theory‟- the theory behind why an individual takes a particular action. In this
theory, Prof. (Dr.) STEVEN REISS propagated that there are 16 essential needs and values which
drives the motives behind a human being. The Paper is an attempt to relate chosen 14 desires of the
16 Basic Desires Theory propagated by Prof. (Dr.) STEVEN REISS. The study is an effort to
understand what motivates an audience to choose any particular Reality TV show and relate the
choice with the psychological desires of the audience fulfilled by the show and touch the “Nerves
of the Masses”. The audience may watch more than one Reality TV show as well as his selection of
any Reality TV show may be driven by a combination of psychological desires. The 14 desires which
were selected were the Desire to Influence (Power), the Desire for Knowledge (Curiosity), the Desire
for Status (Prestige & Attention), the Desire for Companionship (Social Contact), the Desire to Win
(Vengeance), the Desire to Family, the Desire to a Social Morale Code (Honour), the Desire to
Improve Society (Idealism), the Desire for Sex/Romance, the Desire for Inner Peace (Tranquillity)
and the Desire for Saving (Collect).
The Reality TV shows were chosen based on their popularity ratings.
In order to arrive at the findings, a survey of 112 TV audiences was carried out in the city of Pune as
the required data relates to opinions, attitudes, beliefs and feelings of the respondents. The appropriate
tool for collection of primary data considered to be Questionnaires. The data collected through the data
was analysed and to arrive at the factors which affect the choice of audiences amongst different age
groups. The analysis conveyed the popularity of the different Reality TV shows amongst audiences of
different age groups. The findings were juxtaposed with Prof. (Dr.) Steven Reiss’s „16 Basic Desires
Theory‟. This brought out the psychological desires which influence the choice of Reality TV shows
by a certain segment of people based upon their age group. The desires exhibited by the audiences can
help structuring of new programs or to reconstruct existing Reality TV shows to enhance their
viewership. The analysis of the desires exhibited by the audience can also help selection of time slots
for broadcasts of such Reality TV shows and also to the manufacturers to choose the shows and time
slots to advertise their products. The ibid study can also be replicated in other regions to understand
the factors that influence the desires of the local population and popularity of vernacular programs. A
short survey was conducted on the sample audience of Pune without differentiating the population
based on the gender, education etc. Further studies can bring out the factors which influence the choice
of Reality TV programs based upon these segments.
Keywords: Reality TV Show, Entertainment, Mass Communication, Prof (Dr) Steven
Reiss, 16 Basic Desires Theory, Psychological Desires
Introduction
Television was introduced to the world by Mr John Loggie Baird, a Scottish Engineer, on 26 January
1926. Phillo Taylor Fransworth, an American, introduced its „all-electronic‟ brother on 7
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September 1927. Telephones, invented by Graham Bell, Radio invented by Guglielmo Marconi and
the Television changed the way Information was communicated, their technologies when combined
changed the entire concept of Communications. It was soon exploited for Commercial means. With
a total of 1.67 billion pay TV households across the world, Television can prove its omnipresence
across the world.1
In India, Television was introduced on 15 Sept 1959 on a trial basis only within Delhi. In 1965,
daily regular transmissions were started by Doordarshan but again within Delhi region. National
Telecast was introduced only in 1982 along with introduction of Coloured TV with Government
controlled Doordarshan as the only channel available. In 1992 with the opening of the economy,
more private entertainment channels started transmissions of different programs. Though late in its
entry, the Indian television underwent the morphisms faster to compete with the world standards in
its audio-visual contents.
Television was initially dubbed as a device for transferring education to the masses, but its
entertainment value soon overtook its use for spreading education. The high demand of
entertainment and information was fulfilled by the rise in the number of channels broadcasting more
and more shows and serials to cater for different tastes of consumers. As the entertainment started
becoming repetitive, mostly being developed on the same platforms of storylines, plots and societal
problems they got type casted. The audience's views about the News channels that “unrestricted
freedom of telecast misleads the public to confusion.” (Tilak and Tilak (2019)2, could also be
applicable to other programs. This lowered the viewership which pinched the producers and the
broadcasters. This set them to find new types of programs to keep their audience intact / attract more
audiences. The channels found “Reality Television” (Reality TV) a novel meant to satisfy their
cause. The audience believed that they could identify with real people undergoing real-life situations
and monitored their emotions and behaviour. In many shows, they could also express their opinions
thereof. Almost all TV channels started broadcasting Reality TV shows.
The audiences‟ attraction to shows involving kings, princes and serfs displaying their talents and
strengths goes time immemorial, the shows being further spiced by commentators‟ perky comments
increase the drama and the entertainment-quotient. Modern technology has only shifted the
viewer's‟ curiosity. The change of audience tastes changed the type of programs. Different
spectrum of audience liked different types of Reality TV programs and the producers designed their
programs to suit these tastes.
Every channel makes use of this media of mass communication and broadcasts their own Reality
TV show which confirms their image, segment and reputation. The producers are careful about the
choice of their segment and also the sub-genre of the Reality TV they want to broadcast. Many of
the Reality TV shows which were popular abroad were repacked up to the Indian standards and
were introduced to the Indian audiences. Many broadcasting channels either imitated shows from
other channels or those being broadcasted in other countries to boost the channel popularity further.
Literature Review
Definition. The definition of Reality TV changed as per times and as per scholars ‟specification of
works. Jan Jagodozinski (2003) had defined Reality TV as a careful video construction displaying
the lives of ordinary people engaged sometimes in extraordinary events.3, he portrayed the show as
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a minor construction and more reflecting the natural reactions of the participants. Oulette and
Murray (2004) explained Reality TV as an unabashedly commercial genre united less by aesthetic
rules or uncertainties than by the fusion of popular entertainment with self-conscious claim to the
discourse of the real.4 With the passage of time, the commercial response of the shows and the TRPs
soon overtook the informative values of the show. Morris and Mclnerney (2009) opine that
“…reality television is a new genre of television that includes a wide range of entertainment
programs about real people and is located in border territories, between information and
entertainment, documentary and drama. These programs present real people in live but often
manufactured situation with ratings in mind, producers of these shows seek out experiences that are
sure to entertain daytime audiences.”5 Their perception about the Reality TV brings out the
increasing commercial value and the increasing commercial content of the show.
According to Narwal, Mahabir and Arora, Geeta (2012), „Reality TV shows can be defined as
Television shows or programs in which participants are common people and or celebrities or both
who have to go through a series of real life or scripted incidences.6 Collin Dictionary defines Reality
TV as “Television programs focussing on members of the public living in conditions created
especially by the program makers.” The study is based on all above definitions.
History of Reality TV. Allen Funt, in 1946, started a Radio show called “Candid Microphone” but
soon shifted it to Television naming it „Candid Camera‟.7This is considered to be the start of Reality
TV. The term „Reality TV‟ was coined much later in 1973, for a 12-episode documentary called
„An American Family‟.8The immense popularity of „An American Family‟ followed by MTV‟s
„The Real World‟ (1992) further motivated the TV producers to produce different Reality TV
programs. Depending upon the subjects dealt by the show, the scholars have started classifying them
in different sub-genres. Every channel broadcasts its own shows. Shows which receive popularity
in one country are soon refined and telecasted in other countries. Some channels even loosely imitate
the shows run by some other channels and gaining popularity to rake in the moolah.
Indian TV channels too were not left much behind in the race. From the lone “Antakshari” to other
Reality TV programs, their morphisms were much faster. Almost all Television channels including
the Regional language channels broadcast their own Reality TV shows. Many of them are copies
of popular Reality TV shows across the world, redesigned as per local tastes and culture. Shows
which derive more popularity are extended beyond one season. Shows like Rakhi Ka Faisala,
Ratan Ka Rishta, Deal Ya No Deal etc are loose adoptions of Reality TV shows running in other
countries.
The Reality TV shows have sustained for more than seven decades and are continuously enjoying
more and more popularity. The shows with boosted popularity go to the next season whilst the
unpopular shows are terminated. The viewers‟ attraction to Reality TV is dependent upon many
factors. The favouritism displayed by the viewers to a particular show depends upon the
psychology of the viewers and the sociological factors. As a psychological cause, the program
should touch the sensitivity of the viewer.
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Understanding the Factors that influence Viewers’ choice of Reality TV shows. Aristotle, the
Greek Philosopher, (384-322 BC) in his treatise Peri Poeitikes (Poetics in English) opines that the
deepest instincts of a human being were to learn and to feel pleasure.9 He related the actions of a
person to the desired end results which the person intended to achieve. Prof. (Dr.) Steven Reiss,
Professor Emeritus of Ohio University, Ohio, USA, expanded Aristotle‟s theory along with
different other existing philosophies about the human nature and the motives behind actions taken
and his own immense research in 2000 and propagated his “16 Basic Desires Theory”10. In this
theory, Prof. (Dr.) Steven Reiss propagated that there are 16 essential psychological needs and
values which drive the motives behind a human being. These psychological needs are listed below:
(a) Acceptance- the need for Appreciation.
(b) Curiosity- the need to gain Knowledge.
(c) Eating- the need for food.
(d) Family- the need to take care of your offspring.
(e) Honour- the need to be faithful to the customary values of an individual ethnic group or clan.
(f) Idealism - the need for social justice.
(g) Independence – the need to be distinct and self reliant.
(h) Order - the need for a prepared, established and conventional environment.
(i) Physical Activity- the need to work out for the body.
(j) Power- the need for control of will.
(k) Romance- the need for matting or sex.
(l) Saving- the need for accumulating something.
(m) Social Contact- the need for a relationship with others.
(n) Social Status- the need for Social significance.
(o) Tranquillity- the need to be secure and protected.
(p) Vengeance- the need to strike back against another person.
Any action, as per Prof. (Dr.) Steven Reiss, was a result of the satisfaction of one or more
psychological desires. The strength of the psychological desires varied from one person to another.
This contributed to his personality. The theory is widely applied to calculate the „desire profiles‟ of
individuals. Multiple desires may be invoked and influence the choice of a decision of an individual.
The theory is also used to bring answers to varied behavioural analysis including Mental retardation,
strong attraction to Faith and Religion, Analysis of Leadership and Leadership Development etc.
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Study
Television is a strong media of mass communication and almost omnipresent all over the world. Many
programs are continuously consumed by the audience. “Television can be considered as a mirror of a
nation‟s personality. It can summon back the past, brood upon the present and peek into the future of
a society. In a country like India, this role of television is more relevant, having continental dimensions
and innumerable diversities.” (Dongre and Nehulkar,(2019)11 Currently a high percentage of audience
is attracted to Reality TV shows. Prof. (Dr.) Steven Reiss opined that any action by a human being is
directly related to the satisfaction of the 16 psychological desires of an individual personality. The
preference of an individual towards any of the Reality TV shows is dictated by satisfaction of his
psychological desires, according to what Prof. (Dr.) Steven Reiss professed. The study was carried out
to check which specific desires dominated certain segments of the society and the reasons thereof from
different respondents from Pune. The study was undertaken with a sample population consisting of
112 individuals of all strata including professions, income groups, age groups, and different cultural
backgrounds.
Research Methodology, Scope and Limitations
Pune has developed as a true Indian Metropolitan city. It has been developed as a major Industrial hub
and has a historical reputation of being an educational hub. It boasts of all types of Industries, majority
of which are Automobile, Consumer Goods, IT and Chemical Industries. Many other professions have
developed to support this Industrial and Educational activity. Many of these professionals have also
migrated from different regions and belong to different cultures, economic classes etc. Pune also has
a mixed student community which is pursuing varied educational courses.
The study group circulated the questionnaire to 120 individuals chosen randomly from 3 different
suburbs. The individuals were chosen on a non-probabilistic deliberate sample basis from different
suburbs chosen after deliberation to ensure variance of diasporas, economic strata, professional
activity etc. Questionnaires were formulated after discussions and rationalisations keeping the
objectives in view regarding the 16 desires. Only 112 individuals participated in the research.
All desires proposed by Prof. (Dr) Steven Reiss do not necessarily apply to television
broadcasts viewing. Accordingly, only following desires were listed in the questionnaire:
(a) Desire to Influence (Power)
(b) Desire for Knowledge (Curiosity)
(c) Desire for Status (Prestige & Attention)
(d) Desire for Companionship (Social Contact)
(e) Desire to Win (Vengeance)
(f) Desire to Family
(g) Desire to a Social Morale Code (Honour)
(h) Desire to Improve Society (Idealism)
(i) Desire for Sex/Romance
(j) Desire for Inner Peace (Tranquillity)
(k) Desire for Saving (Collect)
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The responses of the respondents were taken on a carefully drafted questionnaire. The questionnaire
was constructed so as to be applicable to all stratus. It was also designed to understand the age,
economic, and educational status of an individual. The Study Team shortlisted the existing Reality TV
shows into the perceived 9 most popular shows mentioned in the following paragraphs. The
questionnaire checked the Reality TV show the participant liked the most and also the ones they
avoided. It was expected that the viewers may be watching/avoiding to watch more than one Reality
TV show and hence the scales for the shows were decided as “Never Missed”. “Definitely Watched”,
‟Average”, “Rarely Watched” and “Definitely Avoided”. It also got details of how the participants
rate Prof. (Dr.) Reiss Steven’s 16 desires, not essentially relating with their choice of shows and tried
to bring in a relation between them. It is expected that more than one desire will influence the viewers
choice of the Reality TV show, hence their desires were categorised as “Very High”, “High”,
“Average‟, “Low” and “Very Low”. Weighted averages of these responses were considered. The
weighted averages of “Very High” and “High” responses was compared within the Age Groups. This
brought the highest scaling desires of the age group across the research spectrum.
Limitations.
The study is limited by its choice of Geographic region of Pune, sample size, and choice of Reality
TV shows which were screened on the date of questionnaire check. The results may vary in different
parts of the country and the people with rural backgrounds. Questions were answered by the subjects
based upon the inherent feelings of the time. It was assumed that they had understood the questions
and the multiple answers thereof and answered the questions in honesty and fairness.
Choice of Reality TV Show.
The Reality TV shows were also chosen based upon their popularity ratings and ease of access to
the viewers and based upon their sub-genres. The study group selected the most popular Reality
TV shows of different sub-genres and carried out their studies through available research literature
and discussions. Due importance was given to the vernacular language. The explorations are
discussed in subsequent paragraphs.
1.Big Boss. The Indian audience adores celebrities and Big Boss fulfils this adoration to the utmost
level of satisfaction. It has a bountiful number of celebrities packed in a closed house for a long
duration. The occupants are given different jobs to perform every day and their entire day activity
is picked up by cameras. The contestants „Out wit, outlast and out play‟ each other so whoever is
in the house the longest ensures highest prize money. Role of being either Mimetic (members equal
to the society and to the audience), ironic (very articulate, defensive of their positions), Leader-
centric (more intelligent than others and thus have authority and control), romantic (again
intelligent and having leadership qualities but can easily exhibit their bravery and heroics) and
Mythical (superior in every way). A loosely scripted, performance specified and conveniently
edited celebrity packed show with ingredients of emotions like anger, hatred, romance and sex has
been a sure formula for high TRPs and frequent seasons. It projects voyeurism, attitude and unfair
form of winning. (Singh, Jeetendra, (2017)12
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2. Kaun Banega Crorepati. This show is the most popular Reality TV program in India which cuts
across the age and regional barrier. It is a knowledge-based program where every member of the
society has equal chances of participation. The audience can truly relate to the contestant who is
„one amongst us‟ and get easily connected to the emotions of the person in the “hot chair” in every
situation. The epitome of the show is the way it is conducted by Mr. Amitabh Bachchan – it is
beyond discussion whether KBC and Mr. Bachchan can be disassociated from each other. The show
rebuilds the hopes and dreams of Indian people. It also is woven around the suave, honourable
personality values of Mr. Amitabh Bachchan and his in-bred Indian Values. KBC had a huge
impressionable impact on the adolescent and put in a lot of style, and quenched for knowledge
amongst them. It also portrayed the desire for being organized, desire for status in addition to desire
for saving.
3. Indian Idol / Sa Re Ga Ma. Indians love songs and Dance. Put it up with a competition model and
viewers will be more attentive. Make a mode wherein the competitions will contest the other out of
the show. This will bring in audiences‟ personal favourites. The contestant may be a normal next-
door neighbour type personality, or he may be a celebrity. His talents have to be judged. Sprinkle
the show with emotions and the audience savours it more (much higher if young children are
competitors) give the audience some (however opaque) powers to vote for a contestant, this will
raise the viewership further. Indian Idol and Sa Re Ga Ma, both shows started on a very humble note
but are commanding high ratings on the popularity charts. The programs are more popular as firstly,
they bring out enormous talent from the masses and secondly as the audience views an everyday
person rising as a star. Technological support further cultivates this brilliance. Many competition
shows have contributed enormous talent to the country including singers and dancers to Bollywood,
comedians to the public arena, Chefs to the hospitality industry etc.
4. MTV Splits Villa. The new generation finds shows displaying dating and romance very attractive.
The show generally has boys and girls intermingling with each other while undertaking a task. The
boys and girls can “dump” each other. They display jealousy openly. Friendship and love of course
form the backbone of the show. Hatred and backstabbing are very common. Viewing of dating shows
leads to women wanting to imitate their idols including their physical form. “Viewing of such
programs would relate to early dating habits and endorsing behaviour portrayed in the show”. “The
impact on the society in developing focus on outward appearance like love, promises, romance etc”
(Singh, Jeetendra, (2017).13
5. Master Chef. The Indian adoption of the British show “Master chef” had a large number of
contestants across India. The Nature of shows was competitive, where popular chefs like Sanjeev
Kapoor and other personalities like Akshay Kumar, Ajay Chopra etc have been the judges. The
shows were competitive, though in the culinary segment, portrayed emotions, drama, some family
values and culinary skills.
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6. Crime Patrol. It is an Indian crime program series started in 2003, based in Mumbai. The team of
the production unit travels along with the police to catch the criminals. Generally, it is highlighted
that the police are wiser and braver.
7. HomeMinister. It is a very popular vernacular language show of Maharashtra. It depicts high
Family values. In this show, the anchor visits various homes. The show organises small quizzes and
games with the housewives and the family members. It also consists of small outdoor and indoor
games for couples and people in the neighbourhood. The study was set in Pune in 3 different suburbs
and collected data from 112 people. The distribution of the respondents based on their Genders and
Professions was as follows:- Male : 52 (46%) Female : 60 (54%)
15-22 Yrs Male 27 (55%) 43.75%
Female 22 (45%)
23-29 Yrs Male 11 (39%) 25%
Female 17 (61%)
30-49 Yrs Male 10 (43.5%) 20.53%
Female 13 (56.5%)
50-64 Yrs Male 2 (40%) 4.4%
Female 3(60%)
Above 65 Male 2 (28.57%) 6.25%
Yrs
Female 5 (71.42%)
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Age Wise Profession Of Males
15-22yrs 23-29yrs 30- 50- 65+yr
49yrs 64yrs s
STUDENT 26 3 9 NIL NIL
SALARIED 1 7 1 1 NIL
SELF EMPLOYED NIL NIL NIL NIL NIL
OUT OF WORK NIL 1 NIL NIL NIL
HOMEMAKER NIL NIL NIL NIL NIL
RETIRED NIL NIL NIL 1 2
STOTAL 27 11 10 2 2
Age Wise Profession of Females
15- 23- 30- 50-64yrs 65+y
22yrs 29yrs 49yrs rs
STUDENT 15 1 NIL NIL NIL
SALARIED 7 15 4 3 NIL
SELF EMPLOYED NIL 1 4 NIL 1
OUT OF WORK NIL NIL NIL NIL NIL
HOMEMAKER NIL NIL 5 NIL 1
RETIRED NIL NIL NIL NIL 3
TOTAL 22 17 13 3 5
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Factors Influencing the Choices of People of Different Age Groups.
1. Age 15-22 Yrs. The group consisted mostly of students, barring an odd salaried person.
Generally, this age group is considered to consist of people of impressionable age. The highest
watched shows amongst this age group were Kaun Banega Crorepati (16.25%), Indian Idol or Sa
Re Ga Ma (15%) and Dance India Dance (15%). Many also avoided Big Boss (33%) and
Splitsvilla (29%).
Majority of the members opined their choice for these shows was initiated by the following
desires:
Motivational Characteristics In % (Age Group 15-22yrs)
DESIRE TO FAMILY (Children etc) 85
%
DESIRE TO IDEALISM (Improve Society) 82
%
DESIRE TO VENGEANCE(Idealism) 81
%
DESIRE TO SAVING (Collect) 77%
DESIRE TO TRADITIONAL MORALE 75%
CODE (Honour)
These findings support the spirit and thoughts of people of adolescent age including their rebellious
nature. The desire of the young generation towards bonds with the family and the society is
highlighted. The desire for Idealism brings out their want for betterment of their environment. It is
laced by the Desire for Vengeance which indicates the fighting spirit to enforce their principles
and convictions of idealism. It also gives out that the younger generation also has a high Desire for
Saving indicating their yearning to earn and collect.
2. Age 23-29 Yrs. The people of this age group are generally getting channelized to their vocations,
mostly adopted for the lifetime and are experiencing stability in terms of professions, economy and
family lives. The researched population mainly consisted of Salaried personnel while some were
still pursuing their education. This age group „Never Missed‟ and were “Definite to Watch” Big
Boss (17.95%), Kaun Banega Crorepati (15.38%), Dance India Dance (15.38%) and Splitsvilla
(15.38%). Some members also watch homely shows like Master chef and Home minister albeit
with lesser percentage.
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The factors that invoked the choice of amongst the members in this age group were as follows:
Motivational Characteristics In % (Age Group 23-29 Yrs)
DESIRE TO FAMILY (Children) 74%
DESIRE TO VENGEANCE (Win/Get Even) 73%
DESIRE TO IDEALISM (Improve Society) 67%
DESIRE TO CURIOSITY (Knowledge) 67%
DESIRE TO SAVING (Collect) 64%
The people of this age group have recently turned towards their career path and have found their
voice in the society. This is adequately supported by the findings of the study. The Desires which
trigger their likings for the shows are expressed by the respondents. Their almost equal liking for
“Desire for Family” (74%) and “Desire for Vengeance” (73%) thus gets projected. Their “Desire
for Idealism” or improving the Society as per their ideals, equals their “Desire for Curiosity” or
wanting to get more Knowledge (67%).
3. Age Gp 30-49 Yrs. The population of this age group are generally enjoying a settled life or are
on the verge of settlement in their chosen vocations as well as in their family lives. The people are
in their early middle ages, the members are mostly professional salaried or self-employed or home
makers. The show which majority of this segment „Never Missed‟ to watch or “Definitely” watched
was “Splitsvilla” and „Dance India Dance‟ (both at 17.65%), followed by “Crime Patrol” (11.75%).
However, a substantial number of viewers also avoided “Splitsvilla” and „Crime Patrol‟. „Kaun
Banega Crorepati‟ was averagely watched by only 30% of the audience of this age group.
Motivational Characteristics In % (Age Group 30-49 Yrs)
DESIRE TO SAVING(Collect) 76%
DESIRE TO VENGEANCE (Win/Get Even) 68%
DESIRE TO IDEALISM (Improve Society) 66%
DESIRE TO CURIOSITY(Knowledge) 63%
DESIRE TO FAMILY (Children) 56%
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The settlement and the mid-life level effects were also reflected in the factors those motivate them
to view these Reality TV shows. The „Desire for Saving‟ (76%) is very high amongst the people
of this age group and considering that it is followed by „Desire for Vengeance‟ (68%) indicates the
attitude to overcome competitions by their existing skills and knowledge base to earn and save
money. This also may be a reason behind receding viewership of Kaun Banega Crorepati. The
„Desire for Family‟ of this age –group is considerably reduced (56%).
4. Age 50-64 Yrs. The age group where individuals are enjoying the peak of their careers and wealth
accumulation.Their being on the peak also has its nuance like being entrenched into overcoming
office peers to further own influence and also trying to maximise the earnings. The “Never Missed”
and “Definitely Watched” shows were predictably “Kaun Banega Crorepati” and “Homeminister”
(both 16.67%), while “Splitsvilla” was the highest “Avoided” Reality TV show (25%).
Motivational Characteristics In % (Age Group 50-64 Years)
DESIRE TO SAVING (Collect) 67%
DESIRE TO VENGEANCE (Win/Get Even) 67%
DESIRE TO HONOUR (Traditional Morale Code) 65%
DESIRE TO CURIOSITY (Knowledge) 53%
DESIRE FOR TRANQUILITY(Peace) 53%
The motivating influences of this age group were chiefly the „Desire for Savings‟ equalling their
“Desire for Vengeance” (both at 67%). This indicates the realisation of imminent retirement by the
people of this age group and planning towards its financial resources as well as their want to hold
onto their influence in their careers. Expectedly, the age group also rates “Desire for Tranquillity‟
as a factor bringing happiness (53%).
5. Age 65 and above. This age group of senior citizens who had passed their primes and were leading
a conscious life. The Reality TV shows „Never Missed‟ was predictably “Kaun Banega Crorepati”
(66.66%), but shows like “Indian Idol/Sa Re Ga Ma”, “Home minister” also joined the list (20%).
„Dance India Dance‟ was being watched by 42.85% people probably to view the performances of
the children who belong to the age group of their grandchildren. However, “BIG BOSS”,
„SPLITSVILLA‟ and „MASTERCHEF‟ were definitely avoided (17.24%). The factors which
drove to their choice of the Reality TV shows were which brought in the maximum happiness to
initiate the choice of show this age group was „Desire of Curiosity (88%), as indicated by the largest
age-group viewership for „Kaun Banega Crorepati‟. The age group also quenches for „Desire for
Peer Companionship‟ (69%) as indicated by the risen viewership of „Home-Minister‟. The age
group also showed their willingness to give back to the society by indicating the „Desire to contribute
to the improvement of the society‟ at (57%).
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MOTIVATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS IN % (AGE GROUP 65+ yrs)
DESIRE TO CURIOSITY(Knowledge) 88%
DESIRE TO SOCIAL CONTACT (Peer Companionship) 69%
DESIRE TO TRADITIONAL MORALE CODE(Honour) 57%
DESIRE TO IDEALISM (Improve Society) 57%
DESIRE TO PEER TRANQUILITY(Peace) 50%
6. Age wise Rating of the Motives.
An analysis of the existing data was carried out to confirm the relation of age of the respondent with
the frequency of motives displayed by the respondents. The motive- wise results of the tests are
tabulated below:
Motivation to Influence Other
AGE
Above 65 0 2 1 1 0 6 6
Total 17 15 17 22 27 14 112
Chi-Square Tests
Value df Asymp. Sig. (2-sided)
Pearson Chi-Square 24.686 20 .214
Likelihood Ratio 26.418 20 .152
Linear-by-Linear Association 6.617 1 .010
N of Valid Cases 112
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MOTIVATION FOR KNOWLEDGE
Not VERY LOW VERY
Responding LOW AVERAG HIGH
E HIGH
AGE
15-22 2 0 2 16 14 15 49
23-29 8 2 2 6 3 7 28
30-45 3 1 2 3 9 5 23
46-64 0 1 2 1 1 1 6
Above 0 0 0 1 4 1 6
65
Total 13 4 8 27 31 29 11
2
Chi-Square Tests
Value df Asymp. Sig. (2-
sided)
Pearson Chi-Square 35.124 20 .019
Likelihood Ratio 33.489 20 .030
Linear-by-Linear .617 1 .432
Association
N of Valid Cases 112
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MOTIVATION FOR STATUS/ATTENTION
Not VERY LOW VERY
Respo LOW AVERAGE HIGH
nding HIGH
AGE
15-22 5 5 8 11 15 5 49
23-29 8 3 4 6 5 2 28
30-45 10 3 5 3 1 1 23
46-65 1 2 2 1 0 0 6
Above 65 2 1 1 1 1 0 6
Total 26 14 20 22 22 8 112
Chi-Square Tests
Value df Asymp. Sig. (2-sided)
Pearson Chi-Square 21.630 20 .361
Likelihood Ratio 23.798 20 .251
Linear-by-Linear Association 11.911 1 .001
N of Valid Cases 112
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MOTIVATION FOR COMPANIONSHIP
Not VERY LOW VERY
Responding LOW AVERAG HIGH
E HIGH
AG
E
15-22 4 1 6 17 11 10 49
23-29 10 3 3 7 4 1 28
30-45 6 2 3 2 7 3 23
46-65 2 1 1 1 1 0 6
Above 2 0 2 0 1 1 6
65
Total 24 7 15 27 24 15 11
2
Chi-Square Tests
Valu df Asymp. Sig. (2-
e sided)
Pearson Chi-Square 26.16 2 .161
2 0
Likelihood Ratio 29.99 2 .070
7 0
Linear-by-Linear 6.272 1 .012
Association
N of Valid Cases 112
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MOTIVATION TO WIN/GET EVEN
Not VERY LOW VERY
Responding LOW AVERAGE HIGH
HIGH
AGE
15-22 3 2 5 7 22 10 49
23-29 6 3 2 4 9 4 28
30-45 5 1 2 1 11 3 23
46-65 1 2 1 0 2 0 6
Above 65 2 0 2 1 0 1 6
Total 17 8 12 13 44 18 112
Chi-Square Tests
Value df Asymp. Sig. (2-sided)
Pearson Chi-Square 24.083 20 .239
Likelihood Ratio 25.376 20 .187
Linear-by-Linear Association 7.431 1 .006
N of Valid Cases 112
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MOTIVATION TO FAMILY
Agee Not VERY LOW VERY
Responding LOW AVERAGE HIGH
HIGH
15-22 4 1 3 7 19 15 49
23-29 4 1 5 3 10 5 28
30-45 6 1 1 6 5 4 23
46-65 2 0 2 1 1 0 6
Above 2 0 0 0 4 0 6
65
Total 18 3 11 17 39 24 112
Chi-Square Tests
Value df Asymp. Sig. (2-sided)
Pearson Chi-Square 25.163 20 .195
Likelihood Ratio 27.247 20 .128
Linear-by-Linear Association 8.554 1 .003
N of Valid Cases 112
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MOTIVATION TO TRADITIONAL MORALE CODES
Not VERY LOW VERY
Responding LOW AVERAG HIGH
E HIGH
AGE
15-22 3 2 5 10 24 5 49
23-29 8 3 3 5 6 3 28
30-45 5 2 1 3 7 5 23
46-65 1 2 0 2 0 1 6
Above 2 0 0 2 2 0 6
65
Total 19 9 9 22 39 14 112
Chi-Square Tests
Value df Asymp. Sig. (2-sided)
Pearson Chi-Square 26.123 20 .162
Likelihood Ratio 28.512 20 .098
Linear-by-Linear Association 3.918 1 .048
N of Valid Cases 112
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MOTIVATION TO IMPROVE SOCIETY
Not VERY LOW VERY
Responding LOW AVERAG HIGH
E HIGH
AG
E
15-22 4 1 6 8 17 13 49
23-29 7 2 5 5 6 3 28
30-45 4 2 1 5 10 1 23
46-65 1 2 1 2 0 0 6
Above 2 0 0 2 2 0 6
65
Total 18 7 13 22 35 17 11
2
Chi-Square Tests
Value df Asymp. Sig. (2-sided)
Pearson Chi-Square 30.005 20 .070
Likelihood Ratio 31.562 20 .048
Linear-by-Linear Association 7.507 1 .006
N of Valid Cases 112
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MOTIVATION TO ROMANCE
Chi-Square Tests
Value df Asymp. Sig. (2-sided)
Pearson Chi-Square 29.183 20 .084
Likelihood Ratio 35.886 20 .016
Linear-by-Linear 3.805 1 .051
Association
N of Valid Cases 112
MOTIVATION FOR INNER PEACE
Not VERY LOW VERY
Respond LOW AVERAG HIGH
ing E HIGH
AGE
15-22 4 10 4 10 13 8 49
23-29 7 3 3 7 6 2 28
30-45 5 6 1 4 6 1 23
46-65 1 2 0 1 2 0 6
Above 2 2 1 0 1 0 6
65
Total 19 23 9 22 28 11 112
Chi-Square Tests
Value df Asymp. Sig. (2-sided)
Pearson Chi-Square 15.274 20 .761
Likelihood Ratio 18.136 20 .578
Linear-by-Linear Association 6.169 1 .013
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MOTIVATION TO EARN/SAVE
Not VERY LOW VERY
Responding LOW AVERAG HIGH
E HIGH
AGE
15-22 2 4 4 9 21 9 49
23-29 7 5 0 6 4 6 28
30-45 4 2 2 4 7 4 23
46-65 1 3 1 0 1 0 6
Above 2 2 0 1 1 0 6
65
Total 16 16 7 20 34 19 112
Chi-Square Tests
Value df Asymp. Sig. (2-sided)
Pearson Chi-Square 29.473(a) 20 .079
Likelihood Ratio 33.057 20 .033
Linear-by-Linear Association 10.749 1 .001
N of Valid Cases 112
The detailed tests suggest that there does not exist any relation between the Motivation
and the age of the respondent.
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Conclusion
Television is the most popular medium of mass communication in the world. The most popular
segment of the Television entertainment shows has been the Reality TV, which is broadcasted by
almost all the channels including vernacular language channels. Prof. (Dr.) Steven Reiss’s personality
theory based on the 16 desires which influences individual actions can be applied to why an individual
chooses a particular Reality TV show and the factors that influence his psychological desires. The
results of this study show the spectrum of the desires which give the respondents happiness during the
different periods of their lives and is fairly precise. The „Desire for Curiosity‟ and the „Desire for
Savings‟ were overall more preferred by the respondents of all age groups indicating that the common
masses still believed in respect and credibility through Knowledge and Hard work. Also, that the
Desire to Family and Desire to Idealism still outweigh the Desires to Influence (Power), Desire to
Status and the Desire to Sex/Romance and also that the Desire for Vengeance (Competition) is fairly
played. This can encourage future research of studying human personalities by their motivational
desires from their likings to entertainment shows. It can also help produce Entertainment shows for a
typical segment of the population.
Although the results of this study were not affected by gender, language, etc, future studies can be
based on more such specifics for deeper derivations. The choices of Reality TV were directly linked
to the factors which influence the choices of the programs and hence the producers wanting to capture
the viewership of a certain segment of the audience can use them to include such elements in their
programs. They can also modify the existing programs to enhance their viewership or choose a
particular time slot etc. Such study will also help advertisers to select the Reality TV programs to
broadcast their advertisements based upon which is their target segment and also to decide content of
their advertisements.
The ibid study can also be replicated in other regions to understand the factors that influence the desires
of the local population and popularity of vernacular programs. The study can further be more gender
specific, education specific, language specific or income specific to understand the factors which
influence the desires to watch the Reality TV programs.
References:
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https://www.statista.com/statistics/268695/number-of-tv-households-worldwide/ edited on Dec,4th,2019 ans accessed on
Dec 10th,2019.
[2] Tilak, Dr. Deepak and Tilak Dr. Geetali, (2019) “Impact of Reappearance of Breaking News on Television
Channels” retrieved from http://ssrn.com/link/2019-Int-Conf MediaEthics.html
[3] Jagodozinski, Jan(2003), “The Perversity of (Real)ity TV: A Symptom of Our Times” Journal for the
Psychoanalysis of Culture and Society 8(2):320-329 · January 2003.
[4] Murray, Susan, Ouellette, Laurie (Apr 2009),“Performing Arts” NYU Press.
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30INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INNOVATION, LEADERSHIP,
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eISSN: XXXX-XXXX Vol I, Issue 1, Jan 2021 DOI :
[6] Narwal,Mahabir, and Arora,Geeta (2012) “Soceital Perception of Reality Shows” published in International Journal
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[7] Knott, Rebecca, (2018), “Allen Funt's 'Candid Camera' Created Hidden Camera Prank TV” retrieved from
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[8] Glouner, Madeleine, Flores, Cynthia, Tomback,Alexandra, “The History of Reality Television”, retrieved from
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[9] Butcher,S.H.(1902), “ Edited with Critical notes and Translation” ,in „THE POETICS OF
ALEXANDER‟(suggested on pgs 15 & 37) retrieved from
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[10] Reiss, Steven (2000),” Who Am I? The 16 Basic Desires That Motivate Our Behaviour and Define Our
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[11] Dongre,Rashmi and Nehulkar,Ramdas “Paradigm Shift in TV and Radio Broadcasting in Digital Age”(2019) as
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