why are soap operas still popular?

I watch One Life to Live and General Hospital. My reasons is simply because I can relate. I ALWAYS have drama going on my life (and believe me it would be nice to have a breather once in a while) and watching those two soaps are just a nice release to see I'm not alone (even though it's all fiction of course). I work in the entertianment industry so there's never a dull moment. When I first meet people I always forwarn them life is a crossover of MTV meets SOAPnet, because it's the downright truth! Plus I do agree with what one other person said, once you're hooked into the storylines and character's lives you feel connected and compelled to keep up with them like "long time friends" sort of speak. I think some others may watch soaps as a way to esape from reality and the normal dull parts of everyday life. Or even better yet, just watch some hot men on TV. Either way, there are many different answers for this question. Simply because there are so many different kinds of people who watch soaps (stay at home moms, career women, college kids, and yes even some men!).

People are set up to be dramatic. Watching tv satisfies the drama for most of us. Soap Operas are a daily fix. Add to that Hot women and good looking guys and theres always a reason to watch. Not to mention the before they were stars factors. Tons of people got their starts on Soap Operas. Demi Moore, Sara Michelle Gellar, and many others. Theres always that desire to say... HEY I USED TO WATCH THAT ONE WAY BACK WHEN!

The appeal of a soap opera has to do with wealthy well off people doing seedy things. People watch and think, Well I'm not rich but at least I'm moral.

I watch soap, because I like the acting and the title. People like soap probably because it too much of drama, just like real life. People like drama.

people want something to watch while they are at home..

also women love to dream and fantasize about lives that arent their own..thats the appeal of soap operas

I have been watching Days of Our Lives and Passions for the longest time. I know that the storylines are sometimes ridiculous and unrealistic, but I am still addicted! They're fun to watch and very addicting. I think they have that effect on people.

They're fun to watch, they make me laugh because some things they do are so stupid (only on a soap), they're an escape. lol lol I tape them so I can fast forward thru the storylines I don't like.

Because people, not just women, like to be involved in the dramas of other people's lives, even if it is pretend. It is human nature.

Some people have watched them for many, many years. Its like knowing some of the charectars personally.

for the drama and they are interesting to watch