The Realities of Reality Television: Teen MomBy: Syeda Zaidi

Reality Television Show Effects● Reality TV shows have both positive and negative

influences● The reality show, Teen Mom shows struggling teenage

mothers● It surprisingly has countless positive effects on teens

“Teen Mom” effects on Teenagers● 90%of teenagers say it looks really hard● 72% said it motivates them to delay parenthood● Don’t want to end up like the girls on the show● Health teachers often show it to their student in classes

Change in statistics● Dropped 9% from

2009 to 2012 for girls ages 15

● Steepest decline since 1990s was after 2009

● Total decline was over 40%

Contestants on the show● The teen moms said they wanted to spread their stories● They have succeeded because of the positive influence

on teenagers● However, most of them are glad that the cameras are

gone

Right: Maci Bookout, one of the teen moms who has moved on with her life and has started working

Right: The teen moms at the show's finale