Survey: Reality TV Affects How Teen Girls View Themselves

Those who watch expect drama, aggression, bullying; care more about physical appearance

By Tim Baysinger -- Broadcasting & Cable, 10/13/2011 12:40:26 PM

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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.

That is according to a national survey by the Girl Scout Research Institute, "Real to Me: Girls and Reality TV."

The survey found that the majority of girls (86%) 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," of those who watch reality TV, 78% said yes, while only 54% of girls who do not watch those shows, concurred.

When asked about romantic relationships, a higher percentage (74-63%) of those who view reality television said that "girls often have to compete for a guy's attention."

"Girls today are bombarded with media -- reality TV and otherwise -- that more frequently portrays girls and women in competition with one another rather than in support or collaboration.  This perpetuates a 'mean-girl' stereotype and normalizes this behavior among girls," states Andrea Bastiani Archibald, Ph.D., developmental psychologist, Girl Scouts of the USA. "We don't want girls to avoid reality TV, but want them, along with their parents, to know what they are getting into when they watch it."

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 more than a third (38%) agree that a girl's value is based on how she looks.

"We also want to emphasize the many positive benefits to reality TV, including its role as a learning and motivational tool," states Kimberlee Salmond, senior researcher, Girl Scout Research Institute. "For example, we know that many girls receive inspiration and comfort from reality TV and that 62 percent of girls say that these types of shows have raised their awareness of social issues and causes."

The survey found some positive effects that reality television can have on teen girls: 68% agree that such fare "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.

"We also want to emphasize the many positive benefits to reality TV, including its role as a learning and motivational tool," says Salmond. "For example, we know that many girls receive inspiration and comfort from reality TV and that 62% of girls say that these types of shows have raised their awareness of social issues and causes."