Dangers of Reality TV Took a Toll on the Gosselins

Reality TV Breaks Up Families

Reality TV shows certainly provide entertainment for the mass of people who long to absorb themselves in a life that isn’t their own.  But, how harmful is it for those who are actually living the lie?  Jon and Kate Gosselin are one of the most highly visible examples of the detrimental effects that reality TV can have on a person and a family.  Just imagine how truly horrible it would be to have the exposure and negative publicity that Jon Gosselin has received over the past few weeks.  Gosselin’s poor decisions and adulterous relationships with Hailey Glassman and Deanna Hummel have certainly cost him the loving husband and self-sacrificing fatherly reputation that he once had.

Of course, Kate Gosselin’s demanding and abrasive persona has been criticized on the cover of almost every magazine and tabloid around the world.  At times, Jon and Kate Gosselin’s reality TV show, Jon and Kate plus Eight, has invaded the most private and personal areas of their life.  Episodes have aired that showed the kids throwing tantrums, Kate having meltdowns, and Jon lashing out in anger at both Kate and the children.  Why?  The general TV viewing public loves the drama.  In fact, people tune in to see the Gosselin story unfold moment by moment with hopes that the cameras will capture every detail.

Would Jon and Kate be where they are now without reality TV? 

No one can argue that this high exposure for the Gosselin’s has brought in some much needed financial support.  Raising eight children is a huge task, and the financial obligations associated with that responsibility are insurmountable.  However, is the Gosselin tragedy really worth all the money that reality TV has afforded them?  Many current photographs of Jon and Kate display two adults with forlorn expressions and shell-shocked expressions.  Reality TV has obviously taken its toll on the lives of these two people.  In the long run, the incredible amount of media attention will have adverse effects on John, Kate, and the children.  Most of their relationships have been severely strained and their daily  life resembles a circus more than a home.  Even three years ago, the Gosselin family looked like a totally different picture than what it does today.

So, what is the best solution for individuals considering reality TV as a source of income?

Moderation and self-control.  Jon and Kate Gosselin started with a good thing that just went way over the edge.  Every family craves some sort of normality, so they should have only allowed filming for a few days during a couple of months each year.  Also, Jon and Kate could have requested a set for their episodes that were filmed at home.  That way, their home could have stayed a place of reprieve and privacy. The public wouldn’t have known the difference. Possibly, vacations and outings could have been taken without the camera crews being invited to come along.

All in all, the publicity and exposure that accompany reality TV make for a poor family environment and an abnormal daily life.