Most would say that reality shows are anything but reality with unchaste dialogue, staged arguments, and fake tears. However, the unsullied reality in shows like Teen Mom and 16 & Pregnant from MTV are having a significant impact on younger viewers. The fact of the matter is, teen birth rates are experiencing an astringent decrease. According to studies, America is at an all-time low of about 39 births per 1,000 teen girls, aged 15-17 specifically, and there is also a noticeable decrease for all ethnic groups (Ventura & Hamilton, 2011, para. 2). However, this trend can't be just from the shows. Society is learning to be much more open about sex. The exposure of casual talk about safe sex practices at home and with doctors must be a part of the incentive of this trend. …show more content…
MTV has incorporated the consequences of teen pregnancy by drawing in younger viewers with the relatable drama from the boyfriend, family, and life they crave from reality television. The best part of this show might be that it can be turned off by the switch of a button, or that it is reducing the rates of teen pregnancy. A recent study done in 2015 investigated the effects of areas where the show was aired and viewed the most found that the consequences of 16 & Pregnant was almost a 5% decrease in adolescent child bearing. It also suggested that interest in contraceptives and abortion increased (Kearney, & Levine, 2015). So, when teens see the repercussions in the lives of the stars on these shows, they make more of a conscious effort to refrain from inflicting those on