Emotional and Cognitive Predictors of the Enjoyment of Reality-Based and Fictional Television Programming: An Elaboration of the Uses and Gratifications Perspective

Abstract

This article reports the results of two studies designed to compare predictors of enjoyment of reality-based and fictional television programming. In Study 1, 260 adults completed a survey of their cognitive and emotional reactions to either the fictional or reality-based programming that they generally watch. In Study 2, 502 adults completed a similar survey but with a particular reality-based or fictional program in mind. Results suggest first that though voyeurism (i.e., curiosity about others) appears to be a key distinguishing gratification between reality and fictional programming, it is not always a predictor of reality television enjoyment. Indeed, many predictors of enjoyment, like happiness, parasocial relationships, social comparison, self-awareness, negative outcome, and dramatic challenge, varied as much among types of reality programs as between reality and fiction. Of particular interest, three variables—learning, suspense, and transportation—had opposite effects on enjoyment, depending on their programming context. The implications of these findings, as well as the role of perceived realism and our ability to explain more variance in enjoyment of reality versus fictional programming, are addressed. Apart from its insight into the reality television phenomenon, this research helps to more clearly articulate the cognitive and emotional underpinnings of enjoyment and further offers a unique theoretical perspective on the connection between the uses and gratifications paradigm and the construct of enjoyment.