Attitude Of Nigerian Student Towards Reality TV Show Big Brother Naija
The attitude of Nigerian students towards the reality TV show Big Brother Naija is marked by a spectrum of responses, reflecting a blend of fascination, critique, and cultural reflection. While some students avidly follow the show, drawn to its entertainment value and the drama among contestants, others approach it with skepticism, questioning its portrayal of Nigerian culture and its impact on societal values. Additionally, there’s a subset of students who actively critique the show’s influence on impressionable viewers, particularly concerning issues of morality, gender representation, and materialism. Despite these varied perspectives, it’s evident that Big Brother Naija serves as a significant cultural phenomenon, sparking discussions and reflections among Nigerian students on the dynamics of reality television and its implications for society, entertainment, and identity.
This study investigated the attitude of Nigerian Student towards reality TV show Big Brother Naija show on the social life of undergraduate students of NTA college, Jos, Plateau State. The study was anchored on cultivation theory. The researchers adopted survey research design using questionnaire as instrument of data collection. The total population of the study was 20,000 students. The Taro Yamane’s formula was used to arrive at a sample size of 396. A total of 396 copies of questionnaire were distributed to the selected departments in the eleven (11) faculties of the College. The study used the multistage sampling technique in selecting respondents for the study. The findings of this study revealed that BBNaija reality TV show has wide viewership among undergraduate students of NTA college, Jos, Plateau State as 76.2% of the students watch the show in the evenings on daily bases. It also revealed that the students are not negatively influenced by what they watch on the reality show but have been positively influenced, as 72.5% of the students noted that they have been influenced in the areas of living peacefully with their roommates, neighbours and hostel mates. The researchers concluded that undergraduate students of NTA college, Jos, Plateau State are not negatively influenced by BBNaija reality TV show despite their heavy viewership. The study recommended that the subsequent shows should reflect more educational content, indigenous Nigerian cultures and serve as a channel for transporting Nigerian and African culture to the outside world.
Title page
Approval page
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Abstract
Chapter one
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of the study
1.2 Problem statement
1.3 Objectives of the study
1.4 Significance of the study
1.5 Research questions
1.6 Scope/delimitation of the study
1.7 Assumptions
1.8 Limitation of the study
1.9 Definition of operational terms
Chapter two
2.0 Literature review
2.1 Influence of reality TV shows on the social life of students
2.2 Debating reality television
2.3 Big brother Naija and morality
2.4 Big brother Naija and the viewing habits of the audience
2.5 Empirical review
2.6 Theoretical framework
2.7 Uses and gratifications theory
Chapter three
3.0 Methodology
3.1 Research design
3.2 Population of the study
3.3 Sample and sampling method
3.4 Data collection method
3.5 Validations of instrument
3.6 Methods of data presentation/analysis
3.7 Instrument(s) of data analysis
Chapter four
4.0 Result and discussion
4.1 Result
4.2 Discussion
Chapter five
5.1 Conclusion
5.2 Recommendation
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Reality television programmes showed up on our television screens in the 21st century and immediately gained and sustained the viewing audiences. In Nigeria, it is common today to watch one reality programme or another in television stations airing either locally or through terrestrial broadcasting institution that aim at portraying live unscripted and unedited motion pictures have gained undisputed popularity. The rate at which individuals discuss the content of reality shows makes it glaring that this type of television programmes is here to stay. Reality television shows are overtaking the networks leaving behind an even bigger effect than that of regular television and this affect the altitude of Nigerian students.
Reality TV as a genre of television programming that has grown over the years and has become an addiction of some sort for many of their viewers especially youth and female segment of the society. According to Hall (2009:515), reality programmes are now a staple of television programming. Many people watch reality shows for several reasons. Reiss and Wiltz (2004) discovered that an element ofreality programmes appeal is that they ‘help viewers to feel important because seeing ordinary people onthe programme allows them to “fantasize that they could gain celebrity status by being on television.’(Hall,2009).
As viewership increased, producers have also improved on contents and come up with better packagesthat attracts more audiences to stay glued to their TV screens, thereby, also attracting more sponsorship from organizations.
In Nigeria, reality television programme has in recent time significantly proved to be a favorite among the youth – particularly those who fall within the range of ages 18-25. Advertisers and indigenous sponsorsare convinced that endorsement of these reality shows is good business because of the massive viewership that these programmes realize.
The first reality programme in the world emerged nearly the same time as television broadcasting in the1940s (Balkin, 2004). In Nigeria, the debut of reality television according to This Day newspaper (2004)was launched in 2004 when the Guilder Ultimate Search aired its first episode. Reality television has been an additive to viewers such that it is almost impossible to believe because these programmes are perceived to be just another entertaining television shows.
There are different genres of reality television that include romance, talent, quiz and games. (Bailey et al., 2003). Hall (2006) provides a comprehensive list of reality television categories which include:“competition focused programme, game programme, makeover/lifestyle programs, talent programme, court programs, reality sitcoms, home improvement programme, and hidden camera-based shows” (p.204). Regardless of the kind to reality show, there exist an eventual bond among the audiences, betweenthe participants and the audiences and a relationship between participants that is formed overtime out of aprolonged stay in a given, controlled environment. The Big Brother Naija (BBN) is a Nigerian television programme that features Nigerians as participants of the programme. BBN is a reality television show that sprung out of a broader reality television programme – Big Brother Africa(BBA). Daniel(2016) describes the ideology of Big Brother as a concept that originated from George Orwell’s novel “Nineteen Eighty-Four”. The book is about a fictitious Big Brother who had surveillance cameras scattered all over the county to garner hidden facts and truths about residents of the vicinity.
In 2017 a Nigerian, Kevin Chuwang Pam won the BBA (Arah. 2017) with a $200,000 cash prize and this occurrence contributed in the resuscitation of BBN. BBN is a reality television programme that is viewed mostly by the youths in the society because the participants of the show fall within the age bracket of the audiences. The programme originally debut in 2006 but did not organize subsequent editions until 2017. Each year, hundreds of young people dream about being a participant in the house because of the fame and attractive prizes that winners get to go home with. Once in the house audiences including university students spend weeks following the television broadcasts of the occurrences and progress of the ‘house’ events that include games, tasks, conflicts, parties, discussion sessions, romance and eviction series.
Big Brother Naija has been said to impact negatively on the viewing audience because of certain inappropriate scenes that are permitted and encouraged in the house. This is particularly worrisome because the demographics of the audience that are attached to this programmes are the younger ones. Parents, teachers, guardians and right-thinking members of the public question the morality of the programme especially with regards to the explicit and uncensored scenes that portray sex, nudity, violence, alcoholism, and cheating.
The aim of this study therefore was to determine the attitude of Nigerian Student towards reality TV show Big Brother Naija of undergraduate students of NTA college, Jos, Plateau State.
1.9 Definition of Operational terms
Reality TV Show: is a genre of television programming that documents purportedly unscripted real-life situations, often starring unknown individuals rather than professional actors. Reality television came to prominence in the late 1990s and the early 2000s with the global successes of the series Survivor, Idols, and Big Brother, all of which became global franchises.
TV: Television (TV), sometimes shortened to tele or telly, is a telecommunication medium used for transmitting moving images in monochrome (black and white), or in color, and in two or three dimensions and sound. The term can refer to a television set, a television program (“TV show”), or the medium of television transmission. Television is a mass medium for advertising, entertainment and news.
Big Brother Naija:Big Brother Naija, formerly known as Big Brother Nigeria, is a Nigerian reality competition television series, based on the Big Brother television franchise, in which 12 to 14 contestants live in an isolated house and compete for a large cash prize worth $58,252.43 equivalent to 21,000,000 Nigerian Naira at the end of the show by avoiding being evicted from the house by viewers.
Promiscuity: Promiscuity tends to be frowned upon by many societies, expecting most members to have committed, long-term relationships with single partners.
Most societies have historically been more critical of women’s promiscuity than of heterosexual men’s. Among women, as well as men, inclination for sex outside committed relationships is correlated with a high libido, but social and cultural factors have also been observed to influence sexual behavior and opinion.
The attitude of Nigerian students towards the reality TV show Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) can vary widely, as it does among the general population. Here are some common attitudes and opinions that Nigerian students may have towards the show:
- Entertainment: Many Nigerian students view BBNaija as a form of entertainment and enjoy watching the show. They find the drama, challenges, and interactions between housemates entertaining and often use it as a way to relax and unwind.
- Controversy: BBNaija often generates controversy due to the behavior of some housemates, which can include arguments, romantic relationships, and conflicts. Some students may watch the show to stay updated on these controversies and engage in discussions about them.
- Cultural Representation: BBNaija is seen as a platform that reflects the diversity of Nigerian culture. Some students appreciate that it showcases various ethnic backgrounds and cultural traditions within Nigeria.
- Criticism: On the other hand, there are Nigerian students who criticize BBNaija for its perceived negative impact on society. They argue that the show promotes materialism, immorality, and superficiality, and may not be suitable for young viewers.
- Career Opportunities: Some students may see participation in BBNaija as a potential career opportunity. Winning the show can lead to fame and endorsements, which could open doors in the entertainment industry. As a result, some students may support their favorite contestants with the hope of them achieving success after the show.
- Social Media Engagement: BBNaija is known for its active online fanbase. Nigerian students, like many others, may use social media to engage with the show, participate in discussions, and vote for their favorite contestants.
- Time Distraction: There are students who view BBNaija as a distraction from their studies and daily responsibilities. They may choose not to watch the show or limit their involvement to avoid academic or personal setbacks.
- Mixed Feelings: It’s important to note that attitudes towards BBNaija can be quite nuanced, with some students having mixed feelings about the show. They might enjoy aspects of it while also acknowledging its shortcomings.
Overall, attitudes towards BBNaija among Nigerian students, as with any TV show, are diverse and influenced by individual preferences, values, and cultural perspectives. Some see it as harmless entertainment, while others may have more critical views regarding its impact on society.