By Karma Christine Salvato
Staff Writer
I read an article recently in the Calendar section of The Los Angeles Times that equated television game shows with a Twinkie. It stated: “They’re addictive. They’re not particularly good for you. And they will probably last forever.”
So true.
That is not only an accurate description of game shows and reality-based programming, but a particularly fitting portrayal of the reality dating show phenomenon. This surge in dating shows seems to have hit an all-time high.
Apparently, shows starring “real” people in “real” situations as they attempt to find “real” love is what the public wants to see. But there must be more there to these popular programs than simply trying to please the public. Perhaps individuals are tired of feeling lonely and think the only way to meet someone is by going on a nationally aired television program and sacrificing their dignity. Or, maybe they are struggling actors and actresses who feel this is their one shot at fame and stardom. Or, perhaps these individuals feel deep in their heart that this is where they will meet Mr. or Miss Right and fall madly in love.
No matter the reason, I can’t understand why someone would want to subject themselves to such bizarre behavior in front of millions of nosy viewers.
With so many people clamoring to get involved in these shows just to score a date — you’ve gotta wonder what’s going on. They must endure such outlandish activities as being hooked up to a lie detector machine and having their dirty little secrets revealed to the world (“Meet My Folks”); chaining themselves, along with the competition, to their potential companion while vying for his or her affection (“Chains of Love”) or having their exes or friends follow them around for the night (“EX-Treme Dating” and “Taildaters”).
Then, for the more committed viewer (and participants), there is “Joe Millionaire,” “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette.” Dare I even mention “Temptation Island,” “Shipmates” and “Love Cruise”? Those disasters (and the relationships that managed to temporarily survive the aftermath), sank faster than the Titanic.
Just to name a final few, there’s “elimiDATE,” “Singled Out,” “The 5th Wheel,” “Blind Date,” “Dismissed,” “A Dating Story” and the originator of them all, “The Dating Game.” Whew! That’s a lot of dating going on.
Dating is such a complicated and personal experience. Why someone would want to share that with the world, I’ll never understand.
The definition of a date has changed drastically over the years.
Dating used to be sacred. It was a private time to really get to know someone and see if there was something worth pursuing. Now, it’s become a show. A sensationalistic event. An extravaganza. A game to see who can push the limits in their quest to win the affection of some beautiful stranger. In short, it has become a joke.
Of course the shows are funny to watch. But what does that say about the kind of society we have become?
Meeting the love of your life is the desire of many. Personally, I daydream about it on occasion. But somehow, I don’t believe that I am going to meet my Mr. Right on a silly game show. I trust that God has a much bigger — and better — plan.
Then again, you never know.
—Think TV dating is a joke? E-mail Karma Chritine Salvato at PrancingPen@aol.com.
February 13, 2003
