SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - When it comes to reality TV, most adults understand that these dramatic shows are more entertainment than real life. But, impressionable teens may think of these characters as role models, and that's where things can get scary.
Sarah Peterson and her friends have their favorite reality programs.
"I mostly watch Keeping Up with the Kardashians but sometimes I watch the Jersey Shore," said Peterson.
Her friend Alexis Walker, agreed "I have to say, I love Jersey Shore, it's a good show."
But the girls say there's nothing their favorite on-air characters do, that they would emulate.
"They show me what I would never try or would never do because I see how ridiculous it is," said Walker.
"It’s kind of funny how absurd they are and how they pick fights out of anything," Peterson said.
But, fights like the ones you see on the Jersey Shore, may actually have an impact on young viewers. According to a study done by the Girl Scout Research Institute, regular reality TV watchers accept a higher level of drama, aggression, and bullying in their own lives. The research also shows 78% of those girls think gossiping is a normal part of girl relationships, compared to only 54% of girls who don't watch these shows.
Peterson believed those facts.
"Cause they might look up to those people and think I want to be like them so I’m going to create drama," she said.
But Peterson and friends said they know how to separate reality from reality TV, and they keep the drama and bad behavior on the other side of the screen.
"It’s also just something to watch when you're just tired and you don't want to think and you just want to watch people act really stupid," said friend Aidan Rees.
On a positive note, the study also showed girls that watch reality TV were more confident, and wanted to take on leadership roles more than those who don't. Researchers said if you're worried about your teens watching too much of the stuff, turn off the TV and do more activities together as a family.
