How players on a reality show win or lose, based on the outcome of their behavior. Reality TV engages viewers by providing a plot and plot similar to the way a writer engages their readers, the only difference is that viewers see those things enacted by regular people like us. According to Penn State communications professor S. Shyman Sundar, the most compelling aspects of reality television are: “The power to make audience members feel part of the action, viewers join in the creative production; the experience seems less like simply watching television and more like being part of a shared 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, spectators tend to side with the individual whose ethical and moral odyssey results in winning the game, this is achieved not only by being a strategic player but also by being a person who does not cross many unethical boundaries . While watching a show I look for what the average person could do to win, will they play in a way that allows the viewer to orient themselves for them or hope for their quick start. 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 and in doing so could lose the million dollars. The reality show "Survivor" has been on the air since May 2000. Millions of viewers of all ages and backgrounds tune in every week to watch sixteen people who have been abandoned in a desolate area to fend for themselves (Ryan). Viewers like me watch not just because ... middle of paper ... ideas for this essay on reality-based television. I have found it difficult to find many examples of the effects of people playing moral and ethical when the end result is losing or winning a monetary prize. I think overall the people who participate in these types of shows can 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 CitedHicks, Jesse.S.Shyman Sandur. Probing question: why do we love reality TV? PENNState.Pen State University August 24, 2013. Network. 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. nd Web. 5 November 2013