h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Obviously, someone is watching "reality" TV because, at least in the US, there is ever more and more. Are we tapping into some need to peek? These people volunteer to be watched, true. I just can't help thinking that if it's so darn interesting to watch these reality shows, web-cams, etc., it must be REALLY cool to watch people who don't know they're being watched. Is there some creepy connection between those (whomever "they" might be)watching us watch "The Real World"?

Does it matter what the watcher's intention is? Since it's hard to prove one's intentions I'd have to err on the side of caution and say no, observing without the observed knowledge isn't okay. Which brings us right back to the old individual rights/freedoms vs. collective safety. We can all mind our own business but we can't then complain or sue or cry that somebody should have known that 9/11/01 was coming.

Nope, I have no solution. I'm just trying to be clear on the options.

Are we (not us, ofcourse ) turning into peeping toms? I hate these reality TV shows like Big Brother, Survivor etc. I think I'd rather watch CCTV footage. There's a UK digital channel E4 which shows nothing BUT BB while it's on. 24/7. It's unhealthy!
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't there a new film being released, Minority Report, about a similar theme? (Sounds a bit like 'Thoughtcrime' in George Orwell's world.)

I don't know much about the plot of the film - just that people can be arrested for crimes they will commit in the future.

I'm certainly not innocent of voyeurism - I watched two seasons of The Real World and made sure I drove past the house they lived in in New Orleans. Rooting through Joe Q. Public's phone records or medical history, however, is not my idea of a good time.

I don't know much about the plot of the film - just that people can be arrested for crimes they will commit in the future.

I'm certainly not innocent of voyeurism - I watched two seasons of The Real World and made sure I drove past the house they lived in in New Orleans. Rooting through Joe Q. Public's phone records or medical history, however, is not my idea of a good time.

I also enjoyed the Real World. I have a feeling that means I'm partially guilty of setting loose all these new Reality Programmes. I should be ashamed.