Ethics and Entertainment: The Paradoxical Appeal of Deception in the Traitors

Authors : Henrieta Krupa
Pages : 407-442
Doi:10.56133/intermedia.1614657
View : 114 | Download : 149
Publication Date : 2025-06-30
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :This article examines the reality competition show The Traitors as a trickster-like transformative cultural artifact that while entertaining, reflects and interrogates critical aspects of human behavior and social dynamics. By dramatizing trust, betrayal, manipulation, and deception, the show serves as a microcosm for exploring themes such as group psychology, conformity, scapegoating, ethical ambiguity, and Machiavellianism. Drawing on theoretical frameworks from psychology, sociology, and cultural studies, the analysis investigates how The Traitors leverages the allure of the trickster by challenging conventional moral standards. The paper argues that the show’s structured environment suspends ethical norms, reframing deceit and manipulation as strategic imperatives. This not only captivates audiences but also encourages critical reflection on the contextual nature of morality and the social values that shape perceptions of success and betrayal. Additionally, the show’s portrayal of crowd dynamics reveals vulnerabilities in collective behavior, including conformity, scapegoating, and the diffusion of responsibility, offering insights into real-world social interactions and mechanisms of power. Ultimately, The Traitors transcends its entertainment role, serving as a lens for examining the human condition. Its blend of competition and introspection underscores its trickster-like transformative power by engaging audiences emotionally as well as cognitively, sparking broader conversations about ethics, social cohesion, and the allure of transgression. Thus, the study situates The Traitors within the broader context of cultural critique, positioning it as a trickster-like transformative mirror to the complexities of contemporary society.
Keywords : grup psikilijisi, Günah keçisi belirleme, Aldatma ve manipülasyon, Düzenbaz/hilebaz arketipi, Realite televizyon analizi

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