Brain rot' MAFS tops TV ratings despite more contestant controversy

Since reality TV shows first swept across Australian screens in the early 2000s, audiences have been captivated by the genre. Over two decades later, this program format continues to maintain its strong vitality, attracting the attention of a large number of viewers. The enduring popularity of reality TV demonstrates its ability to connect with audiences on a fundamental level.

However, in recent years, reality TV shows have also frequently made headlines due to various negative news, sparking widespread controversy. Some contestants have stated that they have suffered psychological trauma as a result, while criticisms have also pointed out that some programs tend to glorify toxic masculinity. In recent weeks, Channel Nine and the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) have received a large number of complaints about the behavior of participants on the "Married At First Sight" (MAFS) program, mainly focusing on concerns that the program may be promoting domestic violence. The seriousness of these allegations highlights the need for greater scrutiny of the ethical implications of reality television.

Despite this, perhaps precisely because of these controversies, the program once again topped the ratings charts last Sunday. We interviewed some young people to understand their views on reality TV shows. While many said they would watch these types of programs, they also questioned their value. A 16-year-old named Phoebe said: "It seems like a kind of mental degradation, there's no substance to it." Another 16-year-old, Katherine, believes that these types of programs are "very harmful" and stated: "Its only use is entertainment... but it's not the best form of entertainment." These differing opinions reflect the complex relationship that young people have with reality television.

Globally, reality TV shows, known in the industry as "unscripted content," account for approximately 75% of all television program commissions in 2024, up from 70% in 2021. However, the captivating nature of reality TV shows is not entirely the result of natural presentation. Aaron Lucas, who was the voice-over for "Big Brother" and served as the program's producer from 2006 to 2008, stated that while reality TV shows have a certain degree of "authenticity," the narrative is often influenced by television producers. "We're always looking for story lines... trying to track stories or potentially manipulate stories." This insight reveals the hidden layers of production that shape the viewer's experience.

Mr. Lucas stated that, based on his experience, producers try to "keep things real." Young viewers have also raised many questions about the authenticity of reality TV shows. A 19-year-old named Owen stated. 16-year-old Abigail stated that when watching "The Bachelor" or other love-themed programs, "you feel like, um, these dramatic plots don't seem real." Reality TV shows are often accused by viewers and commentators of "planting" actors to increase the program's appeal. Mr. Lucas stated that these claims are not without basis. "In some programs, there are indeed people who are arranged to come in, as to whether the audience will know, it depends on the producer." He also added: "Every reality TV show is slightly different." Mr. Lucas stated that "tasks" or games are another way for producers to encourage participants to interact in ways they might not otherwise. Moreover, what is presented on the screen is not necessarily a true reflection of how things actually unfolded. "There may have been an argument or debate that ultimately became important content... but we have to compress it into the program," he said. "So, some things will be cut out." The editing process plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative and influencing the viewer's perception.

Over the years, many former reality TV show participants have stated that they were unfairly portrayed as "villains" due to "villain edits." In 2019, Channel Seven was penalized for this issue and ordered to compensate a contestant on the "House Rules" program who claimed she was unfairly portrayed as a bully and suffered psychological harm as a result. Mr. Lucas stated that he understands why some people would claim that they were portrayed in a certain way. However, he stated that, based on his experience, "you can't put words into someone's mouth." The responsibility for shaping the narrative ultimately lies with the producers, but the impact on the participants can be significant.

Lauren Hillman participated in Channel Seven's "My Restaurant Rules" in the early 2000s, and although she was not a victim of a "villain edit," she stated that producers did have ways of shaping the story. "Reality TV shows were relatively new 20 years ago, so when I participated, I didn't really understand what the process would be like - I was just happy to be involved," she said. Ms. Hillman stated that reality TV shows were different when she participated, "there weren't really factors that changed a person's character." "But I can certainly see now by watching reality TV shows how people are portrayed very differently through clever editing," she said. "We forget about these people, they are real people, and they have to go back to their daily lives... I don't think people realize sometimes what they're getting into when they go on these shows." The long-term consequences of participating in reality television are often underestimated.

Susie Gibson, a senior lecturer in literature, film, television, and feminism at Charles Sturt University, watches reality TV shows for teaching purposes. "But I think people consume it for a variety of reasons," she said. "We live in a very difficult economic time... and these types of programs do provide a way to escape reality. It allows people to suspend their dissatisfaction with themselves and their own lives. They can just see other people in trouble,... feeling less depressed." Dr. Gibson stated that watching reality TV shows is often associated with voyeurism and spectacle. From an ethical perspective, Dr. Gibson stated that "Married At First Sight" is particularly problematic. "You see examples of coercive control, you see examples of gaslighting, and you also see examples of domestic violence," she said. "There's absolutely no ethics in these programs - the experiments they're conducting on television... wouldn't pass any university's ethics committee, but for some reason, because it's television, they can get away with a lot." The ethical concerns surrounding reality television raise questions about the industry's responsibility to its participants and viewers.

Channel Nine and production company Endemol Shine stated that they are taking the recent complaints about contestants and their behavior seriously and ensuring the safety of participants. New South Wales police are also investigating the matter. The ongoing investigations highlight the potential legal and ethical ramifications of the issues raised.