Do reality shows that focus on mental illness exploit people?

Question

I'm thinking mostly about shows like My 600 Pound Life and Intervention. I go back and forth with it personally, it's one thing to be in a healthy state of mind and go on survivor and it's another to be sick and be used as entertainment. On the other hand that is their choice and it could be argued that its increasing awareness. What do you think?

Accepted Answer

I think shows like my 600 pound life help the people get treatment. They also know what they are signing up for and are probably getting paid some amount.

Answer

All reality TV exploits people, that's kind of the point of them. I'm not a fan of these shows because it's always in the back of my mind that it's done for entertainment and even if half of it is made up bullshit, that's still a real person who, at the end of the day, is airing out their dirty laundry for the world to see. I also feel like some shows are worse than others, whether it be about addiction, mental illness or if it has children in it (looking at you, Duggars👀). I feel like those three categories cross a line. I really don't think it's right at all.

Answer

It can increase awareness, but yes it is exploitative. And yes I watch that stuff! I like to see other people's stories amd struggles.

Answer

I’ve seen my 600 pound life and it made me watch what I eat more. I think it helps to see how choices can affect your life. I did hate that in the 600 pound life show of where the partners were trying to selfishly keep their partners unhealthy.

Answer

I think hoarders is pretty exploitive 😬 i used to watch it all the time and now that i’m an adult i see that they clean out the peoples houses , but aren’t getting them any real treatment. With the money they make from the shows im sure they could

Answer

Exploiting ppl is entertaining to people so why wouldn’t they do it to make money? The destruction of society.

Answer

I think shows like Dr Phil are the ones that exploit and make fun of people that have real issues.

Answer

There are people who willingly seek out to be in reality shows, go through the application and audition process on their own, that's their choice.
And there are those whose families get a show involved in their private business without their prior consent (like Intervention, Hoarders). Of course the show cannot legally air without their consent, but the methods are very coercive. I doubt any of this people actually want to be on the show, but feel pressured into it once the cameras are in their home and the family is filled with hope. 
I see the value these shows can have as far as awareness, or maybe motivating someone else to get help, but they are still exploitative.

Answer

Yes, but it’s not like it’s without permission.

Answer

Yes, but that doesn’t mean it’s all bad.

Do reality shows that focus on mental illness exploit people?

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