Another thing these types of programs shine a light on is how people are viewed by others and how people view their own behavior.  And, yes, I understand that these sorts of programs go through heavy editing and obviously that the editing is used to create a narrative for the viewer's interpretations, but it is still interesting.

For example, on Survivor often times contestants are brought back in future seasons and some "performers" seem oblivious to how they are portrayed and viewed by others, especially the home watcher.  There is this one attractive woman that is duplicitous in the most evil of ways and when later called on it, she played the victim card, batted her eyes and point fingers at everyone else, and showed no sort of shame at all.  Then, another contestant barely participated in any challenges and later exhibited shock and anger when this lack of merit was pointed out (sort of like how people of privilege get the game card to skip all hardships in life while reaping all of the benefits - you know, the old axiom of how George Bush woke up on third base and thought he hit a triple).

I would also love to know what producers tell contestants and imagine they probably encourage them to exploit aspects of their personalities for good drama. 

Also, another thing that is amazing to me is how those with Southern backgrounds seem to have a step up in more positive social interactions due to the concept of "Southern hospitality," and reactions to the vocal Southern twang. Of these shows, I have found that those from the South seem to be the most approachable and with some of the most amusingly warm and humorous comments. It is also very interesting to watch how some of the more abrasive, personality-wise people mix with Southerners.  But then again, one bigoted young Southerner went on a homophobic rant against "the gays" and promptly sealed his own fate (and rightly so). 

I guess my point in all of this is that sometimes we, as a society and culture, have so many reflections of our world in some of the weirdest places, and the rest of the world must really laugh their asses off at the rest of us and these programs are truly reflective microcosms of American life.