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Reality Tv Influence Youth Behavior

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Reality Tv Influence Youth Behavior
Reality Television and how it can influence the behavior of youth and teens There is no doubt that when it comes to American youth television is one of the biggest influences by far. Many parents would love to say that their child does not watch that much TV but in reality they are spending a lot of time watching television or using media in some way. “The study by the Kaiser Family foundation shows that children ages 2-8 spend an average of 5 ½ hours a day “consuming media” kids 8 and older spend even more time in front of the tube nearly 6 ¾ hours a day” (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2005 ). Astonishingly, more time is being spent with media then doing homework, studying or even spending time with family. A child’s retention of what they watch depends on the child’s attention span, how they would process the information and of course their own e experience however limited this may be. Reality television can affect the attitudes and behaviors of children all over the U.S. through its stereotyping, violence and cultivating false perception of reality. This differs from family to family and depends on the values instilled in the child.

While media manipulates the minds of youth and teens, the value portrayed on reality television by reinforcing negative stereotypes and idealizes body image to be accepted as the norm. Stereotypes are unavoidable in media especially in reality programming. In my opinion the stereotypes depicted in media can influence the way youth see people in real life. Basing their opinion on what they have viewed on television. Often time’s television tends to stereotype genders and racial groups in a negative way. For example by watching the shows “Jersey Shore” and “Jerseylicious” you would think that young Italian people are only interested in partying, excessive drinking, promiscuity, name brand fashions and working out. That’s not the best image to enact to young people. With all the media used by youth in America is there any



References: Becker, A (2002) 'Marked link found between eating disorders and TV '. British Journal of Psychiatry,(June 2002) Retrieved from: http:// www.independent.co.uk Mortality in Anorexia Nervosa. American Journal of Psychiatry, 1995; 152 (7): 1073-4 Buchanan, A.M., Gentile, D.A., Nelson, D.A.,Walsh, D.A., Hensel, J. (2002, August). Retrieved from: http://www.familymedia.org [Online]. (2007). National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (producer) American Academy of Pediatrics, 1995 Retrieved from:

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