Document Type

Post-Print

Abstract

This study investigated whether perceptions of reality programs’ authenticity are associated with viewer involvement, enjoyment, and perceived learning.240 viewers completed a survey about their impressions of the reality program they watch most frequently. Four dimensions of the perceived authenticity were identified: cast eccentricity, representativeness, candidness, and producer manipulation. Perceptions that the cast was not eccentric, that they were representative of people the respondents could meet, that they were behaving candidly, and that the producers were manipulating the show were associated with cognitive involvement. Cast representativeness was also positively associated with social involvement. Cognitive and social involvement were each associated with enjoyment. Perceptions of the cast members’ representativeness, candidness, and lack of eccentricity were associated with increases in perceived learning from the shows.

Publication Date

11-23-2009

Publication Title

Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media

Volume

53

Issue

4

First Page

515

Last Page

531

DOI

10.1080/08838150903310468

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