We all know and love the famous television shows where the drama and the relationships throughout each episode keep us so intrigued. Reality T.V. should be known for presenting unscripted situations, but some people are starting to believe that their life should be just like what they’re watching on screen.

    The problem is, reality shows aren’t exactly an actual representation of the lives we’re living. We get so caught up in who the lucky girl will be in the finale of “The Bachelor” or who will fall in love with who, that we don’t realize how reality television may be affecting us.

     According to the Daily Herald, ever since shows like “Jersey Shore” or “The Bachelor” have been airing, teens have been affected by what they’re watching. Girls say things they hear in the show or try to be just like certain T.V. stars.

    “The problem with themes like ‘mean girls’ becoming popular or pitting themselves against other girls is that it normalizes the behavior,” developmental psychologist Andrea Bastiana Archibald with Girl Scouts of the USA said.

    Whether it’s trying to dress like the female stars or starting to possess more of a diva attitude, reality T.V. has really started to influence most teens today.

    “Studies show that people who view reality T.V. are likely to value prestige, popularity, and status,” social science teacher Mark Meyer said.

     The Girl Scouts Research Institute (GSRI) recently released a report called “Real to Me: Girls and Reality T.V.” According to the research, even teens that don’t think they’re taking reality T.V. so seriously are being negatively impacted by the shows. T.V. shows like “Teen Mom” or “The Bachelor” have mixed effects on over 1,000 tweens and teenagers today.

    Not only does reality T.V. affect teens as individuals, but research from the GSRI states that what’s seen on T.V. is beginning to affect relationships as well. Regular reality T.V. viewers have started to expect bullying and drama in their lives. According to GSRI, 73 percent of teens think that fighting is a normal part of a romantic relationship reality T.V. makes people think it’s okay to treat others badly.

    The realistic depictions of what we’re seeing on T.V. has far more effect on girls. According to the Daily Herald, the majority of reality T.V. watchers are young girls and women.

    “Most reality shows such as ‘The Bachelor’, ‘Teen Mom’, ‘Real Housewives’ or ‘Keeping up with the Kardashians’ are geared to women. MTV’s audience is 65 percent female,” senior vice president of research at Horizon Media Brad Adgate said.

    Although females are the hot target of reality television, everyone is still affected by it.           Maybe you realize that what you’re watching is scripted, or that you know you don’t want to be a father after watching ‘Teen Mom.” However, reality T.V. has a way of pulling you in and messing with your mind.  Whether we watch it for 30 minutes a week or three hours a day, reality shows have become and will continue to be a powerful influence on teens.