Teen Mom

http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2011/04/05/teen-pregnancy-rate-lowest-in-two-decades/

CNN reported this week that teen pregnancy rates are lower than they have been over the last two decades. They are also giving credit to shows like Teen Mom on MTV for this decrease by making the teen pregnancy a topic of national conversation. If this is true, than it proves the great effect the media can have on such issues. By opening up communication about birth control and the consequences of pregnancy, the issue is not viewed as so taboo and problems can be more thoroughly addressed. Viewers can also see a “real life” situation with shows like Teen Mom, which may be more believable and relatable to teens than a formulated lecture in health class. The power the media has to influence people’s perception of issues is great, and also intimidating. I am not sure I believe the theory that shows like Teen Mom should be credited for lowering pregnancy rates. I do not watch it frequently, but I from what I have heard the people on Teen Mom are somewhat local celebrities. I read posts on social media about so-and-so from Teen Mom being in the mall, or hear that one of the fathers from the show is paid to make appearances at venues, such as the bar Dill Street. I do not know if Teen Mom displays the characters in the most moral light. Why are people in a show meant to show the struggles of teenage pregnancy publicly exalted and popular? Are these people role models for other teens?