Social Networking and Reality TV alike?

We are natural born voyeurs. Social networking would not have become an absolute sensation in the last few years if we didn't see so much value in it, and have it spark so much intrigue in each and every one of us. It feeds our interests very much like reality television did earlier in the millennium, except now - our friends are starring in their own shows and getting kicked off the island is called "unfriending."

This isn't news to anyone, reality television has been mainstream for nearly a decade. But what makes someone willing to have millions of eyes on them? Judging every decision they make, even enabling editors and producers to cut and paste things they've said and done (which for the most part are completely out of order ... remember its entertainment!).

Are they looking for their 15 minutes? Or a major life change? Although initial motives are questionable one thing is for sure, you are never the same.

Stephen Poon was a contestant on the VH1 hit "The Pick Up Artist." The premise of the show is based upon the successful lectures given by Mystery (aka Erik von Markovik). A former Dungeons and Dragons player who transformed into the "world's most successful pick up artist." The group of 8 or 9 contestants is taught the art of seduction and how to break out of their scared shells.

Stephen (known as Spoon on the show) had heard about the audition from a friend. He feared that due to his age he couldn't wait much longer to find the right woman to start a family with. He was currently in a relationship but felt it wasn't secure and wanted guidance on how to find the right one.

Out the gate he was ready for a change before filming began, ending his romance and bracing himself for a new life. People often question the "reality" of the contestants. Are they really as clueless as they seem to be? Or are they merely preparing for their Oscar. "We all had a disadvantage around women. But the only fake part of the show was who really needed help. A few faked it, wanna know who?" Spoon says playfully.
Spoon did not end up being "The Pick Up Artist" but was appreciative for those he met on the show. He received extra coaching from Mystery's co-host JDog. "After I left the show JDog really showed some heart and character. He really wanted to help me change my life. So for a month he coached me (for free which would normally cost a lot) one on one and turned my life around. He also ended with a great friend in room mate Brady Sprunger. "What can I say. He's a good looking guy. But also a really good friend. I could say a best friend. The time we were room mates, I learned a lot. Even now I still hear his voice when I do something wrong ('Spoon, don't be stupid'). He showed me a path that I'm thankful for."

Spoon also says that there were some surprising aspects of the show. "I went up to Mystery and asked him what our goal was. He told me it was 'to get women in bed.' I was hoping he'd say to start a new life and have the power to select the woman you'd want, not be a player."

The editing of the show caught him off guard as well. "There was one part on the show where they talked about how many of us were virgins. They asked us to raise our hands but at the last second they added a clip of me raising my hand, but I raised it for another question asking us 'how many were here to change our life?' So when that happened everyone said Spoon you're a virgin?"

Like many other reality participants Spoon would like to get back on television. This time he would like to be the one showing people how much he has changed. Proving to others that he is a living example of being able to learn new habits and attract the right one into your life. He is currently working on a book and a jewelry line.

With the entertainment quality being off the charts, and reality shows now having their own award show there is no end in sight. Lives are forever changed even long after the names have been forgotten. Casters beware -what takes 12 weeks to film will remain on the internet forever.