The Decline in Game Show Culture within the modern day
From touchless pay to mass automation within every industry, human connection has been declining, and if it follows the downward spiral it has been on, it will ultimately be lost. Over the past few decades there has been a rapid decrease in the viewership of game shows and live television programs as a whole. The time that used to be spent on game shows has now turned into mindless doomscrolling with no substance behind it. What has changed is not the attention spans of viewers, but rather an inability to connect with those around them.
For as long as I can remember, every night I have watched “Jeopardy,” the trivial game show, with my dad. Regardless if I got a multitude of answers correct or none at all, what I really enjoyed was the time spent with someone I loved. From interactive conversations to quality time spent together, game shows connect families.
Streaming platforms have tricked modern society into falling out of love with the cheesy sound effects and over the top sets, but they really should not have. Today’s viewers hold television programs to such an excessive standard that classic and entertaining shows have been abandoned all together. Viewers should freely be able to watch what they would like exempt from societal pressures. Even if it is not seen as profound or groundbreaking.
Game shows are not only entertainment, but something greater–something human. Watching game shows unites family and friends by encouraging them to work together, whether siblings work alongside one another placing guesses during a round of “Family Feud” or friends simultaneously piecing together clues to uncover the hidden celebrity’s identity on “The Masked Signer.” Even if one is watching at home, they are still connected to those playing on the screen.
Within the early 20th century, American family culture looked different, as it was centered around one object: the television. Families would gather around the illuminated box and enjoy each other’s company. Now, phones have taken over our society in place of televisions. Game show viewers have declined over 50 percent, revealing how families value phones over genuine human connections. Spend time with the ones you love, watch a game show, engage in meaningful conversations. So turn on “Wheel Of Fortune” or “The Price is Right” and savour human connection before it is gone.
