Impact of Reality Television on Society
The Impact Reality Television Has On Our Youth
Misty Stouffer
ENG 122
Marnie Nollette
April 18, 2011
The Impact Reality Television Has On Our Youth Television serves nearly 30 hours of entertainment to children 8 to 18, weekly. Reality television is a phenomenon that is sweeping the globe. These programs are widely viewed by kids, tweens, and teens. Many of these kids idolize reality stars and mimic their every move and their vocabulary. This alleged reality is negatively affecting the well-being of children world-wide. Kids tend to imitate what they observe on television and these programs typically support the worst attributes of behavior. (Ludwig 2003). We must remember these words spoken by Dr. Ted Baehr, “Whoever controls the media controls the culture.” While reality television can be positive, parents should monitor the programs watched by their children due to the negative affects these shows contribute to children’s overall health. It is a known fact that television influences our lives and the lives of our children. Today, kids are watching more reality television and revering those they see. They are basing their lives, their wants, their desires on what they perceive as real on these programs. This influence is shown in lower self-esteem, poor level of respect displayed, and the ideals of happiness our youths possess. Research presented by Dr. Helen Street revealed that children who suffer from depression will believe beauty, wealth, and popularity leads to fulfillment. (Genesis Health, 2003). The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also shares concern that this exposure to reality media carries health risks to children. These risks include violent and aggressive behavior, sexuality issues, poor academic performance, low self-image, weight issues, and substance use and abuse. By continuing to allow our kids to be exposed to reality television, these issues will only increase. Reality television is being passed off to our youth
Misty Stouffer
ENG 122
Marnie Nollette
April 18, 2011
The Impact Reality Television Has On Our Youth Television serves nearly 30 hours of entertainment to children 8 to 18, weekly. Reality television is a phenomenon that is sweeping the globe. These programs are widely viewed by kids, tweens, and teens. Many of these kids idolize reality stars and mimic their every move and their vocabulary. This alleged reality is negatively affecting the well-being of children world-wide. Kids tend to imitate what they observe on television and these programs typically support the worst attributes of behavior. (Ludwig 2003). We must remember these words spoken by Dr. Ted Baehr, “Whoever controls the media controls the culture.” While reality television can be positive, parents should monitor the programs watched by their children due to the negative affects these shows contribute to children’s overall health. It is a known fact that television influences our lives and the lives of our children. Today, kids are watching more reality television and revering those they see. They are basing their lives, their wants, their desires on what they perceive as real on these programs. This influence is shown in lower self-esteem, poor level of respect displayed, and the ideals of happiness our youths possess. Research presented by Dr. Helen Street revealed that children who suffer from depression will believe beauty, wealth, and popularity leads to fulfillment. (Genesis Health, 2003). The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also shares concern that this exposure to reality media carries health risks to children. These risks include violent and aggressive behavior, sexuality issues, poor academic performance, low self-image, weight issues, and substance use and abuse. By continuing to allow our kids to be exposed to reality television, these issues will only increase. Reality television is being passed off to our youth
References: Is Reality TV Putting Children at Risk? [Genesis Health Systems]. (2003, April 21). Retrieved from http://www.genesishealth.com/news/2003/reality_tv.aspx Bobo doll experiment. (2011). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1567717/Bobo-doll-experiment Booth, W. (2004, August 10). Reality Is Only An Illusion, Writers Say. Washington Post. Catherine Edman cedman@dailyherald.com (2008, September 15) Parents, step into minds of teenagers. Daily Herald 1. Retrieved April 4, 2011, from ProQuest Newstand. / (Document ID: 1616465981 Committee on Public Education Julius Debuschewitz. (2011, February 11). Remember that 'reality shows ' are makebelieve. Whitehorse Star,14. Retrieved April 3, 2011, from Canadian Newsstand Complete. (Document ID: 2266240171).