Why is Reality TV generally horrible?

I've been thinking about crappy reality television shows that I still remember despite not really watching or enjoying them. Shows like The Swan, Beauty and the Geek, Temptation Island... the list goes on and on. I guess The Hills is more of a scripted reality show, but it's no better than any of the rest. I guess MTV really is partly to blame for introducing The Real World and Road Rules, plus numerous other silly dating shows.  I do admit to watching a few episodes of the first season of The Real World, but I can only say it was due to being young and bored. Perhaps that is why people watch reality television?

Boredom in general was always my reason to watch TV, but I prefer to escape reality than have a fake version of it presented to me on television. Now, I don't even bother with watching TV at all. I'm sure I'm missing out on the latest adventures of The Office and The Simpsons, but I have a feeling I'll get to see them if I really do feel the need to. I'm a few seasons behind on finishing Lost, and really far behind on most other shows I once watched. The only channel I really enjoy watching is HGTV or maybe the Food Network.  Maybe I'm weird to no longer enjoy mindless entertainment, but I don't think that's a bad thing.

Just a couple more days until my Vegas trip and my car has been prepared with various new parts and services. My boyfriend is more interested in Marvel vs. Capcom 3 than the shows or gambling, so he got a cable that will work with older TV's since the hotel we're staying at may have them. I'm wondering how it will work if he's just playing his new game all day while we're there. Most likely we'll just leave for food, and I'll leave for the concerts. It's not such a bad thing since we'll both be doing what we like. I don't want to force him to stand through a long concert or walk through a smoky casino.