Teen Pregnancy Rate Down Because of MTV?
A new government study shows that pregnancy rate among US teenagers dropped significantly in 2009. The report specifically mentions that MTV’s reality series “16 and Pregnant” had an influence in the rate dropping.
Could this be true? A TV show influencing teen behavior? The main reason I think this could be true is one word: story. Rather than beating us over the head with a message of abstinence or preaching the dangers of premarital sex through statistics, this show tells stories. I haven’t seen enough of the show to tell you whether it does a great job or not, but I do know that good storytelling helps us to care about the people in the stories, and their lives end up speak to us. I believe that shows like “16 and pregnant” can be very powerful voices in our culture.
When I read articles like this, it inspires me to want to tell more stories that actually can help others live better lives.
02/02/2011 at 11:10 am
In my personal opinion I would have to say that any “help” MTV may be offering in this series would be nullified by MTV’s newest show “Skins”. I do like the idea of telling stories to help keep people from making bad choices but personally MTV ruins any hope they offer when they launch such a raunchy, immoral, and simply degrading show like “Skins”. In order for stories to make an impact, they must be consistent. If I am a teenager and I see an episode of 16 and pregnant and then follow that with an episode of Skins what message will leave a great impact?
02/02/2011 at 4:08 pm
I have not seen “Skins” but I think you make a valuable point.
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