Limitation 1: Twitter
One possible constraint of the research could be its sole reliance on Twitter data as the principal source of information. The Bachelor Nation viewership is notably restricted to Twitter users, thus their viewpoints might not precisely represent those of the general public. This limitation could potentially lead to partiality, as Twitter users might demonstrate unique demographics, interests, and levels of engagement in comparison to the wider Bachelor audience. Moreover, restricting the examination to Twitter discussions in the initial week of every season may fail to encompass the complete spectrum of public opinion or the enduring consequences that candidates’ racial and ethnic backgrounds may have on ideals of femininity and attractiveness. As subsequent episodes and events acquaint viewers with the contestants, their initial impressions formed during the season’s early stages may change.
Limitation 2: Racial and Ethnic Backgrounds
An additional limitation could emerge from the potential difficulty in accurately assessing the racial and ethnic origins of the participants in The Bachelor. While the show potentially offers valuable insights into the racial/ethnic backgrounds of the participants, how individuals define their racial or ethnic identities may remain complex or uncertain. This could potentially complicate the process of categorizing participants and assessing the impact of their identities on public opinion. Consequently, the implications of the findings may not apply to different seasons or specific reality television programs that feature unique structures and viewer demographics.
Limitation 3: Human Error
I independently did all coding, which may have led to a potential miscount in the quantitative data and the frequencies of individual terms.