According to a survey by the Girl Scout Research Institute, teen and tween girls who regularly view reality television expect a higher level of drama, aggression, and bullying in their own lives, while measuring themselves primarily by their physical attractiveness. The survey found that 86% of girls think that females on reality TV shows purposely pitted against each other to drive excitement. When asked if “gossiping is a normal part of a relationship between girls,” 78%of those who watch reality TV said yes, while only 54% of girls who do not watch those shows, concurred. When asked about romantic relationships, 74% of those who view reality television said that “girls often have to compete for a guy’s attention.” Other findings:
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Girls who view reality TV are also more concerned on their
physical appearance. 72% say they spend a lot of time on their
appearance vs. 42% of non-viewers, while 38% agree that a girl’s value
is based on how she looks.
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68% agree that reality shows “make[s] me think I can achieve
anything in life” and 48% argue that it “help[s] me realize there are
people out there like me.” 75% of girls say that reality TV depicts
people with different backgrounds and beliefs.
