ASSESSMENT OF UNIBEN STUDENTS’ RESPONSE TO ‘BIG BROTHER NAIJA’ TELEVISION REALITY SHOW

ABSTRACT

Arising from the conception and misconception usually associated with Reality Television Shows, this study, investigated the UNIBEN students’ response to ‘Big Brother Naija Reality Television Show’ in Nigeria. This study focused on UNIBEN students’ response to Big Brother Naija Television Reality show (BBN) in Nigeria. It aimed at finding out the extent at which UNIBEN students are exposed to 'BigBrother Naija’ reality show, the perception of UNIBEN students towards 'Big Brother Naija' Reality show, what appeals to UNIBEN Students in 'Big Brother Naija' reality show and the influence of Big Brother Naija reality show on UNIBEN students’ perception of reality. For its theoretical framework, the study adopted the cultivation and social judgement theory to further buttress the point of the study. While the survey research was used to gather the data used for the study. Thus, data obtained were analyzed using frequency tables and simple percentage, the survey design was employed with the aid of 8- item questionnaire. The sample constituted 398 UNIBEN students with background knowledge of the study. The study was anchored on the tenents of cultivation and social judgement theories. Findings of the study revealedthat UNIBEN student agreed that Big Brother Naija reality show is corrupt and controversial, and that the buzz from social media and dramatic moments are factors that appeal to them in the show. It was also found that BBN is a platform for young people and that it encourages teamwork among students of UNIBEN. The study therefore concluded that caution must be taken while watching the show and deliberate effort must be put in to sieve the positive (functional) role from the negative (dysfunctional) role embedded in the show. It was recommended that Big Brother Naija shows should be strengthen by its organizers/producers to promote more positive values and by extension sell the good African culture to the world as the show has viewers from across the globe. etc.