Audience Perception of Social Issues Portrayed in Contemporary Pakistani Television Dramas: A Quantitative Analysis

Abstract

Aim of the Study: Study was aimed to explore the correlation between responding to Pakistani television dramas and an audience's estimation of the realism, awareness and comprehension of social issues.

Methodology: Using a quantitative approach, this study investigates how viewers' perceptions of societal concerns are affected by their exposure to Pakistani television shows. A total of (n=342) respondents, all of whom were 18 years of age or older, were given a structured questionnaire to determine how often they watched dramas and how they felt about the realism, optimism, and awareness-raising potential of the social concerns shown. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, one-sample t-tests, and linear regression were used to analyze the data.

Findings: The findings showed a strong positive correlation between audience perception and drama exposure, especially when it came to perceived realism and social consciousness. Despite having a tiny effect size, regression analysis showed that exposure significantly influenced audience impression. Education and gender also surfaced as relevant demographic factors influencing perception.

Conclusion: The study comes to the conclusion that viewers' perceptions of societal concerns are shaped by Pakistani television shows in a subtle but significant way. These results highlight how crucial content realism and media accountability are to promoting educated public conversation.