Reality TV has always been a controversial topic, with some going as far as calling for a ban on all forms of reality TV. Reality television programs consisting of real people who are continually filmed as they go about their daily lives are generally designed to be entertaining rather than informative. These shows include The Apprentice, Hell's Kitchen, The X Factor, Americas Next Top Model and the infamous Big Brother. All of these reality shows contain real people competing for some sort of prize, whether it's a new career, a million dollars, or pseudo-fame. Undoubtedly reality TV can be a lot of fun, but at what cost? There have been numerous cases of former reality show participants attempting suicide, some of whom have even succeeded. No matter how good or bad you do on a reality show, you're almost guaranteed to never be able to live the same life you once did. On October 14, 2013, Master Chef runner-up Joshua Marks was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head, the death was ruled a suicide. Marks was apparently battling mental issues in a private medical facility in Chicago and his parents credit the role and pressure that Master Chef had on Joshua as the main reason for his illness and subsequently his death. Although Marks, who suffered from bipolar disorder, had been working with the Make A Sound Project, a nonprofit group that seeks to use music to raise awareness about suicide issues, he himself still managed to reach a state where he felt better. take one's own life. Reality TV producers are often seen as sick people but regardless, from a financial perspective reality TV makes a lot of sense. Participants always start alone... middle of paper... in an industry, competitors should be fully informed of the possible consequences of their participation before entering the competition and I also believe that mental checks should be done to ensure that the person is mentally capable of managing the possible backlash and trauma. Background checks should also be carried out to see if the person has suffered any form of previous traumatic experiences. I'm not saying you shouldn't watch reality programs, but the motivations behind being a viewer should be ethically questioned. Instead of passively accepting whatever media companies try to provide you, it would be best to take some time to reflect on why such programming is created and why you feel drawn to it. Perhaps you will find that your own motivations are not so attractive. Works Cited http://atheism.about.com/library/FAQs/phil/blphil_eth_realitytv.htm