Post: How Reality Television Impacts Health
How Reality Television Impacts Health
Reality television shows can raise awareness about certain issues -- such as smoking or obesity -- but also may emphasize values such as physical beauty, which can have a negative impact, especially on impressionable adolescents. The shows also provides ample "stealth" marketing opportunities.
This is according to a discussion paper prepared by Lewis and Clark College communications professor Peter Christenson and American University communications assistant professor Maria Ivancin.
The paper, which can be downloaded from the Kaiser Family Foundation Web site, sparked discussion about reality television and public health during a forum hosted by the KFF
on Oct. 18 in Washington, D.C. Download the full report (in .pdf) here.