Reasons behind watching dating reality TV by young adults in Poland

Julia Maria Brochocka (Student)

Student thesis: Master's Thesis

Abstract

Reality television has become very popular around the world. Reality shows are usually based on the simple principle of showing common people in situations similar to real. Poland, like any other country, has also been affected by the popularity of reality TV. Reality shows, especially dating shows like Love Island, Hotel Paradise, Love Never Lies and The Sanatorium of Love, became a cultural phenomenon with high viewership. However, this phenomenon states the question: what motivates Polish viewers to watch these dating reality shows? By examining audience study theories such as Uses and Gratifications or Reception theory and understanding reality TV audience, their habits, and motivations, we conducted a survey and interviews among young adults in Poland. Both survey and interviews were based on prior research regarding reality television and their audience. Findings indicate that the majority of the responders watch those shows as they seek entertainment. Other less popular reasons are to pass time, relax, escape, socialize and because of participants in that shows. Some viewers watch dating shows for other reasons such as voyeurism, out of habit, for social learning or identification however this reason did not receive much support in this target group. Both the Uses and Gratifications theory and Reception theory were in line with the results of this study.