Big Boss 19 may grab TRPs with daily drama, but it’s misleading India’s youth. Learn how reality TV damages young minds and what shows to watch instead.
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Bigg Boss 19, popularly known as Big Boss, has once again taken over Indian television screens. From tea stalls to social media feeds, everyone’s talking about who said what and who got into a fight in the Bigg Boss house. But behind this TRP goldmine lies a darker truth — Big Boss 19 is promoting toxic behavior and influencing young Indians in harmful ways.
The obsession with drama, arguments, and fame has turned this show into a spectacle where shouting, manipulation, and bullying are considered “entertainment.” Indian youth, especially teenagers and college students, are exposed daily to this unhealthy environment, believing it to be normal or even aspirational.
This blog critically examines the dangerous influence of Big Boss 19 on young minds, the culture of TRP-driven sensationalism, and suggests far better entertainment alternatives that both inform and inspire.
The Problem with Big Boss 19’s Popularity Among Youth
Reality TV like Big Boss 19 is highly addictive — especially for the younger generation who seek fast-paced entertainment. The loud fights, strategic alliances, and emotional outbursts give young viewers an adrenaline rush. But what they’re consuming is not just entertainment — it’s a lifestyle being marketed.
When youth watch contestants scream, lie, or backstab each other for votes, they unconsciously begin to normalize such behavior. The worst part? These contestants are celebrated. They’re given fan pages, invited to interviews, and treated like celebrities. This sets a very wrong precedent — bad behavior equals popularity.
The real danger lies in this silent acceptance. When teenagers see this every day, they begin mimicking such behaviors in real life — in schools, colleges, or online. Social validation becomes their goal, and they start believing that being rude or dramatic will make them “famous”.
TRPs Over Ethics: The Business of Sensationalism
The primary goal of Big Boss 19 isn’t to educate, inspire, or uplift — it’s to get high TRPs. And for that, producers encourage and highlight the most controversial content. It doesn’t matter if it’s unethical — if it trends, it sells.
Each episode is edited to create maximum tension. Even minor misunderstandings are magnified, personal issues are exploited, and contestants are provoked. All of this is cleverly marketed to keep viewers hooked.
Producers know exactly what they’re doing — and they do it because it works. But this success comes at a cost: the moral degradation of our content and the corruption of our youth’s minds.
Instead of rewarding intelligence or talent, Big Boss 19 glorifies manipulative behavior. Instead of highlighting respect or empathy, it rewards verbal abuse and insults.
Toxic Behavior Glorified as Entertainment
Let’s break down the kind of content Big Boss 19 normalizes:
- Bullying: Contestants gang up, isolate, and emotionally manipulate each other.
- Abusive Language: Profanity and derogatory terms are common.
- Aggression: Screaming matches are celebrated as “boldness”.
- Disrespect: Insulting elders or peers is treated like entertainment.
- Lies and Deception: Strategic backstabbing is framed as “smart gameplay”.
The result? A generation that sees all of the above as acceptable tools to “succeed” or become popular.
Now imagine a 16-year-old watching this daily. What message is being drilled into their brain?
“Be aggressive, loud, selfish — and you’ll get fame.”
This isn’t entertainment anymore — it’s psychological damage packaged as a TV show.
Impact on Indian Youth’s Values and Aspirations
The long-term influence of such shows is subtle but dangerous. Indian youth, already struggling with academic pressure, identity crises, and peer pressure, are being exposed to unhealthy examples of success.
Here’s how Big Boss 19 affects them:
- Mental Exhaustion: Constant exposure to negativity leads to anxiety, mood swings, and even depression.
- Distorted Morality: Viewers struggle to differentiate between real-life ethics and scripted reality behavior.
- Reduced Focus: Time spent watching meaningless fights is time lost from productive activities.
- Shallow Aspirations: Instead of becoming entrepreneurs, scientists, or artists — some youth now aspire to be the next Bigg Boss contestant.
This shift in mindset can have devastating effects on India’s future.
What Indian Youth Should Watch Instead
Thankfully, all hope is not lost. There are countless shows and platforms that provide high-quality, inspirational, and informative content. These shows not only entertain but also educate and shape better aspirations.
Here are some worthy alternatives:
1. Shark Tank India
- Teaches entrepreneurship, innovation, and presentation skills.
- Inspires youth to think creatively and solve real-world problems.
- Popular among students and professionals alike.
2. Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC)
- A quiz show that promotes general knowledge, current affairs, and intelligence.
- Encourages learning in a family-friendly format.
- Hosted by the legendary Amitabh Bachchan.
3. TED Talks India
- Real-life stories from thinkers, doers, and change-makers.
- Covers topics like mental health, science, leadership, and social change.
- Available on YouTube and streaming platforms.
4. MasterChef India
- Focuses on skill development, patience, and creativity.
- Motivates young food enthusiasts to pursue culinary careers.
5. Dance India Dance / Indian Idol
- Highlights real talent and promotes discipline, dedication, and artistic excellence.
6. The Social Dilemma (Netflix)
- A must-watch documentary on how social media manipulates users.
- Encourages digital awareness and responsible internet usage.
7. Online Learning Platforms
- BYJU’S, Unacademy, Khan Academy, Coursera, Skillshare.
- Provide free or affordable access to high-quality educational content.
8. National Geographic & Discovery Shows
- Documentaries on wildlife, history, science, and the universe.
- Excellent for curious minds and future explorers.
Tips to Shift Youth from Toxic TV to Quality Content
- Limit Reality TV Time: Set boundaries on how much time you spend watching reality shows.
- Watch With Purpose: Choose shows that teach something or motivate you.
- Engage in Discussions: Talk with friends or family about what you watched and what you learned.
- Follow Educational Channels: Subscribe to YouTube pages that post meaningful content.
- Replace Gossip With Growth: Listen to podcasts, read blogs, or watch interviews with successful people.
Conclusion
Big Boss 19 might be one of the most-watched shows in India, but its impact on the minds of our youth is deeply concerning. In the name of “entertainment”, it promotes aggression, disrespects values, and glorifies negativity.
India’s youth deserve better.
They deserve shows that empower them, broaden their minds, and help them grow. It’s time we as a society stop supporting shows that degrade our morals and instead demand better, meaningful, and positive content.
The remote is in our hands — let’s choose growth over gossip.
