What makes it "real"

To me i feel some of these shows are as fake as sitcoms, dramatized lives for the sake of the camera, and others are actual situations, peoples lives and perspectives. What i think we have grown to love about reality TV is that we can learn about a different persons'' lifestyle and perspective. Think of the shows like Wife Swap where you are shown two different lifestyles and pick and choose what you like and don't like about each, seeing the best and worst come out in both family structures. Naturally we then compare that person and people to ourselves seeing what's similar, different, what you like about a person, an attribute you wish you had, an attribute your glad you don't have. Some people watch Swamp People and say "Thank god i'm not his daughter!" Others would kill to have a chance at living that lifestyle. People will choose and watch shows that they relate to what they seek out of life, and/or fascinated by. Its human beings natural tendency to be curious, but what's interesting is what different people would tend to, or rather watch. And what are the reasons for watching? To "veg out" on the couch and not think about anything? We're certainty thinking about something... hmpf...