Positive Relatioship between Viewing Motivations, Perceived Reality of the TV Reality Show and Self-Esteem among Vietnamese Audience: A Case Study of The Masked Singer Vietnam

Abstract

This survey research examined the relationship between viewing motivations, perceived television reality of The Masked Singer Vietnam and the self-esteem among Vietnamese viewers. Using convenient sampling, two hundred Vietnamese viewers, aged 18 years to 35 years old who have watched The Masked Singer Vietnam, participated in this online survey. The results found the following results: (1) Viewing motivations for the Masked Singer Vietnam was positively correlated with viewers’ perceived television reality, wherein motivations such as emotional connection and entertainment related how authentic viewers perceived the show; (2) Viewers’ perceived reality of the Masked Singer Vietnam was positively correlated with their self-esteem; and (3) Viewing motivations for the Masked Singer Vietnam has a significant positive correlation with viewers’ self-esteem. The results supported The Cultivation Theory, which suggest that media consumption shaped perceptions of television reality, and concide with The Uses and Gratifications Theory, which highlighted how media can satisfy emotional needs. The study emphasized that personalized storylines, empowerment narratives, and social media engagement can enhance viewers' emotional well-being. It recommends further research to explore cross-cultural differences and the long-term effects of reality TV on self-esteem.