Reality, role stereotypes, or war of the roses? An empirical study on the effect of reality TV dating formats on gender and relationship norms among young adults

The aim of the study is to empirically investigate a possible connection between the consumption of reality TV, especially dating formats, and the acceptance of gender-specific and relationship norms among young adults. Reality TV dating formats are seen as a central component of current media offerings, characterized by the staging of supposedly genuine emotions, personalities, emotional conflicts, and a strongly normative portrayal of gender roles and relationship dynamics. This explains the growing debate about the role of reality TV in the context of relevant socialization and orientation spaces for societal ideas about gender, partnership, and intimacy. The theoretical foundation of the study is provided primarily by cultivation theory and the differential susceptibility to media effects model (DSMM). Building on these approaches, it is assumed that the possible normative effects of reality TV dating formats depend on both frequency of use and individual reception experience. In particular, identification with the participants portrayed is considered a central mechanism of action, alongside the perceived realism of the content. The study will address three key points: First, it will examine whether more frequent consumption of dating and relationship formats on reality TV leads to greater acceptance of traditional gender-specific norms and relationship norms. Second, it will investigate whether identification acts as a mediating mechanism between media use and norm acceptance. Third, it will analyze whether the perceived realism of the content can be considered a mediator between reality TV consumption and normative attitudes. A standardized online survey of young adults will be used as the method. The central constructs will be measured using established and adapted scales. The hypotheses will be tested using regression, mediation, and moderation analyses. Overall, the study aims to contribute to the understanding of the normative media effects of reality TV, especially dating formats.