Teen Mom the New Reality

One popular argument that comes up when viewing media or partaking in violent games is the fear that somehow we may be influenced to act in ways that are deemed aberrant in society.  Now the discussion has moved to reality T.V. If like I said earlier, that people are somehow more willing to relate to other  contestants or reality celebrities because they are can be seen as more realistic, then it can be seen as no surprise that a link is often drawn to the number of teens pregnancies and the celebrity status that cast of the hit T.V. series “Teen Mom” have gained.

In a news article covered by ABC’s Juju Chang this link seems to have been verified. The report follows one of the “Teen Mom” former star in how she felt producers of the show instigated situations for more drama. Since being on the show other girls have gotten pregnant in order to be famous.  What does this say about the girls who get pregnant for fame? Is the T.V. show really influencing these girls so much that they feel this is the best way for a better life or is  this a situation where because of socio-economic reasons the girls were at a higher risk anyway?

One aspect of this might be the fact the moms are people they identify with. It would make sense then that a higher percentage of people who watch this show and truly identify with the girls are likely to see the cast’s path as a way for something better. According to an evidence briefing by the NHS’s Health Development Agency, girls from a lower socio-economic class are at higher risk for teen pregnancy. Perhaps then shows like “Teen Mom” aid in optimizing their ability to identify and empathize with the girls on the show.

http://www.nice.org.uk/niceMedia/documents/teenpreg_evidence_briefing.pdf

http://abcnews.go.com/US/teen-pregnancy-young-mom-treat-celebrity-mtv-show/story?id=13039764#.T6eQkuiP-NY

It would seem that according an article on Psychology Today that I am not the only person who would like to know why so many people are interested in reality T.V. shows. The authors took a survey in which they sought to ask both those who regularly watch reality T.V. and those who do not.
The article focused on competitive reality T.V. and not so much shows that follow “real people.” The results could easily be applied to both. Apparently people that had a desire for status were more interested because if Average Joe can make it then so could anyone. This could explained by the fact that people tend to identify with characters on a T.V. show. It would seem that it is no different with reality T.V.
This might be because it would be easier to identify with someone you know is not acting for the most part than someone you know has been created by producers and writers.


http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200109/why-america-loves-reality-tv

We all know what reality T.V. is and have been exposed to it in one form of another. Whether it is eagerly waiting to find out whether or not your favorite contestant makes the cut or taking part in conversations where you denounce the fall of good T.V.
What I hope to uncover is is the truth behind reality T.V., it’s pros and cons and give readers some insight into the multi-million dollar business. Despite the fact that many people complain about it there are renewed seasons, additions to franchises (The Real Housewives of-), and new reality shows every season.
What is it about people that cause them to spend time watching the lives of others even when most people believe that what they see is fake? Are their lives really that interesting or is there some innate need to live vicariously through others? By objectively researching news, videos and other forms of media, I hope to combine my knowledge to understand the lure that keeps millions of viewers interested in.