ORCID
0009-0001-9904-0111
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Daniel Stephens
Keywords
Zeus Network, reality television, commercialization of conflict, media ethics, attention economy, conflict theory, exploitation, racial representation, digital media, media sociology, Delante Clark, A.S.M.
Abstract
This study examines Zeus Network as a prominent example of the commercialization of conflict within contemporary digital media. Through reality based programming that frequently emphasizes confrontation, public humiliation, emotional volatility, and interpersonal disputes, the network has cultivated a profitable entertainment model built upon spectacle and controversy. Drawing upon conflict theory, critical race theory, and media sociology, this paper investigates whether Zeus functions as a platform for cultural representation and economic opportunity or as a system that monetizes dysfunction for audience consumption. Particular attention is given to the portrayal of Black women and Black communities, whose experiences often become central to highly dramatized narratives that generate substantial engagement across digital platforms. Ultimately, the paper argues that Zeus Network reflects a broader transformation in modern media, where conflict has evolved from a narrative element into a marketable commodity, raising significant questions regarding media ethics, racial representation, exploitation, and the social consequences of an increasingly attention driven entertainment industry.
STARS Citation
Clark, Delante, "Zeus Network and the Commercialization of Conflict: A Critical Analysis of Exploitation, Representation, and Reality Television" (2026). Graduate Scholarship and Creative Works. 10.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/gradscholar/10
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