Reality Television Trends: Impact on Our Youth

Teen-centric series such as “Laguna Beach,” and more recently, “NYC Prep,” portray a care free life of partying, social extravaganzas, and manipulative backstabbing - a life seemingly without consequences and consciences. Setting unrealistic standards for what life should be like during those years, these shows claim to revolve around an “average” teenager.



These networks often find the most attractive, articulate, and reactionary teenagers in a 50-mile radius, and script-in additional drama. Sasha Pasulka, Head Writer and Founder of women’s interest site Zelda Lily and entertainment website Evil Beet, is concerned about the messages these shows are sending to our youth:

These are teenagers with exceptional resources, personalities, opportunities and lifestyles. As an adult, I can see that. As a teenager with a narrow perception of “reality” and a still-forming self-image, I would not have seen that. I recall, as a teenager, desperately wanting a life of endless partying and love triangles, like Julia Salinger on Party of Five or Valerie Malone on 90210. But I was aware of the buffer between their lives and reality: These were fictional characters, and in real life those lifestyles don’t always feel so glamorous. I understood that. Had their stories been pitched to me as “reality,” I may have felt differently.

In addition, these young students even manage to do less homework than the kids on Gossip Girl and 90210 – no one ever seems to leave the party to do homework or study.

“We’re sending teens the message that, as long as you’re busy ogling boys and back-stabbing your best friend, the college thing will work itself out,” says Sasha.