Reality TV has become a cultural powerhouse. There's no stopping it

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When you think of your earliest memory of reality television, what comes to mind? Is it “The Real World,” “Survivor” or “The Bachelor”? Perhaps it’s other fare like “Project Runway” or one of the “Real Housewives” franchises.Growing up in the ‘90s and early aughts, my first exposure to reality programming was MTV’s slate of shows like “Real World” and “Road Rules” — thanks to being the youngest of four siblings, I was exposed to shows that were, in hindsight, too risque for me at too young an age.But they left an indelible mark.

I saw Irene McGee of “Real World: Seattle” get slapped by her roommate Stephen Williams, a moment that at the time sent shock waves.Genesis Moss, of the Boston cast, was one of my earliest exposures to a gay person on TV.

And Melissa Howard of the New Orleans season showed me how you can be 5-foot-2 and unapologetically feisty — as someone with a similar build and demeanor, I took that to heart.Over the years, I’ve sometimes dismissed reality TV because it felt a little too personal or a little too competitive.I often wonder about the psychological effect on participants as their lives are laid bare for all to see.

However, I can’t deny their appeal and why fans have continued to gravitate toward these shows season after season.They make for excellent watercooler talk; in recent weeks, my co-workers and I have spoken endlessly about “The Bachelorette” and Taylor Frankie Paul, and who did or didn’t stay married from Season 10 of “Love Is Blind.”Few of us knew in the early days what effect reality television would have on the culture or how it would create a new type of star.

Reality TV personalities have become influencers, pop culture icons and even political figures.One is the president.And many shows have not only endured, they’ve spawned universes, international adaptations and spinoffs.

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