Teen Pregnancy in the Media Part 2

Continuing with the theme of teen pregnancy in the media today you will need to answer the following questions about the clips from television show "Teen Mom" that we watched clips of in class.
Answer these questions in a post titled "Teen Pregnancy in the Media Part 2"
Search "Teen Mom" on YouTube to watch clips from the show or go to MTV.ca to watch full episodes if you need more information and knowledge of the show to answer the questions. The YouTube teaser clips should show you a good overview of some of the issues that arise on the show, 

1. Does the show create a negative or positive image of teens? Explain.

2. What effect might “Teen Mom” have on what teens consider “typical” behavior?

3. Are “Teen Mom” viewers more likely than non-viewers to perceive teen pregnancy as acceptable or even positive? Is the “celebrity” status of the cast members (the fact that teens are seeing them everywhere in the media) a factor in this? How might this influence teens’ own behavior? (Some have suggested that watching “Teen Mom” will make girls want to become pregnant in the hopes of getting famous, since some of cast member Jenelle’s friends actually became pregnant after she did.) Might a “likeable” cast member have more influence on teens than one who is perceived as “behaving badly”?

4. Do you think this show presents a fair and accurate view of teenagers today? Does the show promote prejudices or stereotypes of teens?

5. Which aspects of “Teen Mom” communicate that the show is “entertainment,” and which aspects communicate that the show is an “informative documentary”? Is a reality show like this a combination of both? Do both forms of media have equal influence on teens?

6. If teens are viewing "Teen Mom," are they likely to believe that teen pregnancy is increasing, or tat it is widespread in the U.S.? Are these things actually true

7. Do you think that the people on "Teen Mom" act the way they normally would or do you think they act a certain way for the cameras?