Final answer:
Reality television could portray more realistic behavior with less editing, minimal scripting, and by providing contexts that reflect real life. Addressing the need to entertain can challenge the authenticity of these shows, but transparency and objective portrayals may improve it.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristics of reality television can vary, but typically, these shows aim to depict real-life situations and behaviors. To create a more honest portrayal of behavior on such programs, production changes are necessary. These may include lesser editing to avoid distorting reality, minimal to no scripting to ensure the actions displayed are truly spontaneous, and providing contexts that are realistic rather than exaggerated for entertainment. However, the inherent nature of television to entertain and attract viewers often impedes the pursuit of authenticity in reality TV. Network incentives to draw an audience between eighteen and forty-nine years old, for example, can result in shows that prefer standard formats and sensational content. To address this, greater transparency about the production process and the objective portrayal of events without excessive dramatization could lead to more authentic representations of the characters' behavior.