How players on a reality-based show win or lose, based on the outcome of their behavior. Reality TV engages viewers by providing them with a storyline and plot similar to how a writer engages their readers, the only difference is that viewers see these things played out by ordinary people like us. According to S. Shyman Sundar, professor of communications at Penn State, the most appealing aspects of reality television are "the power to make audience members feel like they're part of the action, viewers join in to creative production; the experience is less like just watching television and more like being part of a common national project.” Like most reality shows, many viewers tend to choose who their favorite or least favorite players are, based on the behavior of the participants. As the game progresses, viewers tend to side with the individual whose ethical and moral odyssey results in winning the game, this is done not only by being a strategic player, but also by being a person who does not cross many unethical boundaries. When I watch a show I look for what the average person might do to win, will they play in a way that sets the viewer's path or will they hope for a quick exit. In a game where a participant could win a million dollars, many players put aside their personal beliefs about how people should be treated; some will do anything to win, by any means, and that could result in losing a million dollars. The reality TV show “Survivor” has been on the air since May 2000. Millions of viewers of all ages and backgrounds tune in. every week to monitor sixteen people who have been dropped off in a desolate area to fend for themselves (Ryan). Viewers like me not only watch because...... middle of paper...... ideas for this essay on reality TV. I struggled to find many examples of the effects of people taking moral roles. and ethical gambling when the end result is losing or winning a cash prize. I think overall the people on these types of shows may be good people who have to resort to unethical behavior or poor judgment. Since everyone lives by their own standards, most people would agree that their belief systems are similar to each other, so being a participant can really test those beliefs. Works Cited Hicks, Jesse.S.Shyman Sandur. Probing question: Why do we love reality TV? PENNState.Pen State University August 24, 2013. Internet. November 5, 2013. Ryan, Maureen. “Why We Still Watch ‘Survivor’” Chicago Tribune. February 1, 2006. Web. November 2, 2013.Shirley, Clayton. “Why We Watch Survivor” Survivor Oz. and Web. November 5 2013