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Why reality TV is the worst kind of TV
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Most of reality TV ignores the original mission of television: to entertain, to educate and to inform. It's time to be very choosy about the reality TV we watch. - photo by istockphoto.com/Yobro10
Amy Peterson
Deseret News National
Updated: Oct 3, 2014, 9:00 AM
Published: Sep 29, 2014, 8:34 PM

I remember watching the first season of Survivor in 2000. It was a new kind of television and seemed exciting. Television reviewers wondered if it would catch on. Little did they know how big reality TV would become. 14 years later, there are countless reality shows and entire networks devoted to the genre. It's too bad, really, because most of reality TV ignores the original mission of television: to entertain, to educate and to inform. It’s time to be very choosy about the reality TV we watch. Here’s why.

It's not real. Most reality TV shows are filmed over a certain period of time and are often staged. While actors and actresses ad lib many lines, some are prompted by producers in order to create the most drama and intrigue. Many of the vacations and excursions taken act as advertisements for the places seen on the shows, and competitions are manipulated by producers and networks to achieve maximum ratings. What you are watching is rarely "real." Thus, your feelings that "your life isn't as good as theirs" aren’t as valid either.

Bad behavior is celebrated. Most reality TV shows are off limits in my home. I can't justify spending my time and money to watch people get paid to act ridiculous in public, fight with other people in front of the camera, take unnecessary risks with their lives and do whatever they want—the snarkier, the better. What does this teach young people? Nothing good, unless they realize they want nothing to do with the party lifestyles glorified in reality TV.

It shows unwise and unsafe things. When reality TV shows come with warnings not to try the behavior shown in them, it’s time to change the channel. Studies have shown that children who watch unsafe behavior on TV are more likely to mimic it. A public health bulletin from the University of Michigan Health System cites several studies on the effects of television violence on children. It noted that, out of thousands completed, only 18 studies concluded that TV violence was not detrimental to children.

Reality TV shows portray excessive partying, promiscuous behavior, destruction of property and crazy stunts. Kids who watch these shows may put themselves in danger by participating in these behaviors.

It is not enriching. I was at the gym once when an MTV reality show was on. After a few minutes, I had to ask the front desk to change the station. The show was full of swearing, nudity, and people yelling and fighting with each other. I couldn’t stand another minute. Like many people, I watch television to relax and escape the stress of life. However, to be a positive part of life, television should also be enriching. Many reality TV shows have no redeeming value.

It's not true entertainment. Some reality TV stars are made fun of by their “fans” on a regular basis, and shows portray the misfortunes and struggles of their stars as relationships disintegrate and families are torn apart. This is not entertaining. Watching young people get drunk and party is not entertaining. Viewing grown women attending social events and fighting with each other is not entertaining. Everyone has his own standard for entertainment, but much of reality TV is simply voyeurism.

Thankfully, there are a few exceptions. Some reality TV families have chosen to use their shows as a platform for promoting family values and a positive view of family life. Many people have learned how to do home improvement projects and cook wonderful meals from DIY shows. Several shows can be viewed with the whole family. Just like you choose any form of entertainment, choose your reality TV wisely.

Amy M. Peterson, a former high school English teacher, currently lives in Oregon with her husband and four children. She spends her days writing, reading, exercising and trying to get her family to eat more vegetables.
Its toxic: New study says blue light from tech devices can speed up blindness
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A new study from the University of Toledo found that blue light from digital devices can transform molecules in your eyes retina into cell killers. - photo by Herb Scribner
Herb Scribner
Deseret News
Published: Aug 13, 2018, 1:39 PM
It turns out checking Twitter or Facebook before bed is bad for your health.

A new study from the University of Toledo found that blue light from digital devices can transform molecules in your eyes retina into cell killers.

That process can lead to age-related macular degeneration, which is a leading cause of blindness in the United States, according to the researchs extract.

Blue light is a common issue for many modern Americans. Blue light is emitted from screens, most notably at night, causing sleep loss, eye strain and a number of other issues.

Dr. Ajith Karunarathne, assistant professor in the UT Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, said our constant exposure to blue light cant be blocked by the lens or cornea.

"It's no secret that blue light harms our vision by damaging the eye's retina. Our experiments explain how this happens, and we hope this leads to therapies that slow macular degeneration, such as a new kind of eye drop, he said.

Macular degeneration is an incurable eye disease that often affects those in their 50s or 60s. It occurs after the death of photoreceptor cells in the retina. Those cells need retinal to sense light and help signal the brain.

The research team found blue light exposure created poisonous chemical molecules that killed photoreceptor cells

"It's toxic. If you shine blue light on retinal, the retinal kills photoreceptor cells as the signaling molecule on the membrane dissolves," said Kasun Ratnayake, a Ph.D. student researcher working in Karunarathne's cellular photo chemistry group. "Photoreceptor cells do not regenerate in the eye. When they're dead, they're dead for good."

However, the researchers found a molecule called alpha-tocopherol, which comes from Vitamin E, can help prevent cell death, according to Futurism.

The researchers plan to review how light from TVs, cellphones and tablet screens affect the eyes as well.

"If you look at the amount of light coming out of your cellphone, it's not great but it seems tolerable," said Dr. John Payton, visiting assistant professor in the UT Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. "Some cellphone companies are adding blue-light filters to the screens, and I think that is a good idea."

Indeed, Apple released a Night Shift mode two years ago to help quell blue lights strain on the eyes, according to The Verge. The screen will dim into a warmer, orange light that will cause less stress on the eyes.