Is Reality TV Good For You?

Economist Charles Kenny, a writer for Foreign Policy magazine, has suggested that soaps and reality TV may well have positive effects on society. I knew it! His study on the effects of global television-watching has led him to the conclusion that the more time we spend in front of the box, the less time we spend taking drugs and errrr….well, ‘procreating’. Hence, drug use and birth rates go down.

That’s not all! Kenny also believes the popularity of soaps and reality shows could even improve the position of women in society. He cites the instance when a woman reached the finals of Afghan Star (Afghanistan’s version of X Factor). Kenny suggests these programmes: “Do more for women’s rights than all the millions of dollars we have spent on public service announcements for women’s rights on TV.” Also, soap storylines such as EastEnders’ Heather Trott becoming a single mother helps viewers come to terms with these sorts of issues. Who knew?