It is a time-tested adage that people receive a vicarious thrill while watching others perform activities in which they themselves would be unable to participate or prone to avoid. Motion picture and television presentations of these sorts have always had a high degree of entertainment value. But there is a difference with modern-day reality shows. We are not merely observing fictional characters pursuing illusions. Rather, participants of current shows are portrayed as real people engaged in real life.
Observers experience a different kind of surrogate existence while viewing.
Based on the most recent variation of the reality show theme, we may be on the verge of becoming a population of twisted Walter Mittys. Two of the latest excursions into feigned spontaneity play upon the audience's frailties in numerous ways. As they watch, viewers will relive with discomfort their own occasions of missed classes, pop quizzes and foolish responses. Someone else appears in the apparition, but the video is in real time. So too is the cruelty.