"Reality television" isn't reality. Just my humble opinion.
If you're into these shows for the entertainment value, and it makes you happy, rock on. I don't watch them; I barely watch TV. I just don't think they're worth my time.
I like the quote from Professor David Irving, chairman of the television and film department at New York University: "television is entertainment" and that "the lines between fiction and reality are always blurred."
I sincerely doubt in many of these shows that the outcome isn't planned and/or the events aren't scripted. Again, if it's being appreciated as entertainment, that's one thing.
These shows push their work as "reality" when they are really edited/adjusted to portray the perception of reality some tv executive wants you to see; the things producers want to you believe so you'll watch the show. But in actuality... just a few examples...
Man vs. Wild: admitted some scenes were staged, and the star of the show was found spending nights in hotels when he was supposedly roughing it out in the wild.
Survivor: has admitted faking and reshooting scenes.
In the news today: Former 'Storage Wars' Star Files Lawsuit Claiming Show Is Fake
http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/...8#.UMpzQHf9xXI
I also have an aversion to hero and media worship of people that do absolutely nothing to contribute to society. The impact these shows have on society and culture is scary. I've never watched Jersey Shore, but I know who Snooki is. Can I tell you the name of the ambassador that was killed in Libya off the top of my head? No.
/gets off soapbox