Reality shows give young viewers unrealistic ideas about teen pregnancy

MTV/Viacom

In a study conducted by researchers at Indiana University and Utah University, it was discovered that excessive viewers of MTV's reality shows Teen Mom and 16 and Pregnant are likely to believe that teen pregnancy leads to an enviable life, with a high level of income and involved fathers.

Many frequent viewers also felt that teen mothers had better access to healthcare, had college degrees, and lived independently. Teens who watched these shows to excess and who also believed reality television to be realistic were more likely to have these positive perceptions.

"Heavy viewers of teen mom reality programs were more likely to think that teen moms have a lot of time to themselves, can easily find child care so that they can go to work or school, and can complete high school than were lighter viewers of such shows," wrote Nicole Martins, an assistant professor of telecommunications in the College of Arts and Sciences at IU Bloomington and co-author of the research with Robin Jensen, an assistant professor of communication at the University of Utah.