Love among younger generations is dead, along with respect and the patience to build meaningful bonds. Our acceptance of this is caused by what we see as the norm, and romantic reality television feeds that misleading narrative to us.
Reality TV and romantic dating shows attract many viewers and occupy channels and spots on streaming platforms. They prioritize entertainment and drama-filled episodes for audiences, which has become blatantly obvious in recently released media surrounding the new season of “The Bachelorette,” as well as popular shows such as “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” and “Age of Attraction.”
Though consent is given by show contestants, guests and stars, it’s ethically questionable for streaming platforms and production companies to exploit certain areas of participants’ lives, given their awareness that drama generally creates a larger audience. Dating shows objectify individuals and their relationships, yet we continue to pay our monthly dues in subscriptions and click “next episode” while binge-watching series.
No one has really taken a stand against the mindless and senseless drama we call entertainment. Reality TV is fully based on confrontation, friction and scheming, and we have forgotten how to question the behaviors represented on our screens. In doing so, we have lost our ability to value genuine connections after we accepted these behaviors.
On March 19, ABC announced that it canceled the airing of “The Bachelorette,” season 22, citing Taylor Frankie Paul's recent charge with domestic violence as the cause for cancellation.
Paul, who is known from “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” and as the founder and leader of “MomTok,” was this year’s Bachelorette. Though filming is finished, fans will not get to see the drama, lies and potential love interests in Paul’s season.
Paul is a mom of three, and shares her children with both her ex-husband, Tate Paul, and ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen. She divorced Tate Paul as a result of a cheating scandal, in which she crossed the line of “soft-swinging.”
Directors of “The Bachelorette” chose one of the worst candidates to be this year’s “it woman,” and it’s clear they were not looking for a sweet and happy romantic ending. It was done purposefully, for views and an exciting storyline.
While news about “The Bachelorette” is a significant disruption to loyal viewers, “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” continues to generate buzz.
The reality TV shows display the lives of a friend group belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the women navigate issues within the friend group, their marriages and everyday lives. The altercations, scandals and controversy in the episodes across all four seasons improperly display the true LDS, Mormon religion.
The attention viewers give the show further promotes the false reality of LDS and members who authentically dedicate their lives to the church. Although it might not be considered a dating show, the problems seen within certain relationships potentially add an even worse deception of love.
Another platform, Netflix, recently added a new and already popular matchmaking series.
As if Netflix wasn’t happy with 21 dating shows, it has aired another one, contributing to a total of 22 available dramas on this streaming platform alone. “Age of Attraction” premiered in early March and featured singles ranging from 20-60 years old. The condition is the cast members aren’t permitted to know each other’s age until after exchanging promise rings and committing to move forward with one another to move on to “the real world.”
This new series showcased a clash of relationships across different stages of life, turning into a game of heartbreak for the participants and an hour of amusement for viewers. Ultimately, there were multiple awkward moments once the real ages of the contestants were revealed. Fans began expressing their disinterest in the show. One Facebook user, Jennifer Ash, said, “I honestly feel like I’m breaking some sort of law watching this.”
According to romance reality TV, all is fair in love and war. Nothing is off the table or “too far-fetched” when it comes to the backlash, secrets and shallow demeanor seen in some participants.
At this point, it’s considered luck when you find a real connection with someone. In a world full of cheating, manipulation and heartbreak displayed through our screens, it is no wonder standards have become so low and relationships have become so meaningless.
Aleni Bender is a sophomore studying Organizational Communication at Ohio University. Please note the opinions expressed in this column do not represent those of The Post. Want to talk to Aleni about her column? Email/tweet her at ab285023@ohio.edu/@aleni_bender
