Abstract (eng)
This thesis revolves around the uses and gratifications drawn by recipients of extreme, risky Reality TV formats. The show Mein Bester Feind will be taken as an example, as it represents a hybrid of several extreme Reality TV Genres.
This study bases upon the theory of the uses and gratifications approach that investigates the motives and gratifications for and of mass media content. Within the framework of eight qualitative guided interviews with students who watch the show, the research question, which uses and gratifications are connected to the reception of the show, will be examined. With the use of a qualitative content analysis and subsequent categorization following the theory of Mayring, the interviews have been transcribed and evaluated systematically. The analysis shows that already identified classical viewing motives such as entertainment, escapism, social contacts, vicarious participation and social comparison play an important role for watching Mein Bester Feind. The character trait ‘voyeursim’ has not become evident throughout the investigation, whereas one’s potential to sensation seeking can be considered as an influential variable. Moreover, traces for the motive ‘schadenfreude about the harm of one’s friend’ and the gratification of getting inspiration for extreme activities could be found.
As the present thesis is a qualitative study, the findings cannot be quantified. However, hypotheses have been generated out of the results, which provide the basis for further quantitative investigation. Additionally, an academic void was found namely the influence of the use of a Second Screen during the reception of extreme Reality TV formats.