Watch these Jersey Shore clips and you won't argue that. But according to a new study, two programs on the network may actually benefit society.
America's teen birth rate plummeted in 2009 after rising from 2005 to 2007, and experts say 16 and Pregnant and Teen Mom open youths' eyes.
Teen Mom's Maci Bookout and son Bentley.
Study: 16 & Pregnant and Teen Mom Increase Awareness, Reduce Teen Pregnancy Rates
THG recently debated whether Teen Mom glorifies teen pregnancy.
According to The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, it may do the reverse, as 82 percent of teens say the shows help them understand the challenges of pregnancy and parenthood - and why they should avoid it.
"Entertainment media is one of the nation's favorite punching bags, but it can be and often is a force for good," says group spokesman Bill Albert.
"Some critics say these shows glamorize teen pregnancy, but our survey data shows that's not the case — that not only do they not glamorize it, but teens who have seen it suggest it makes the realities of teen parenthood more real to them."
It's true ... Amber Portwood is basically a living, breathing deterrent.
Chronicling the travails of teen moms and dads through rocky relationships and the emotional swings of having a baby, 16 and Pregnant debuted in 2009.
Its spinoff, Teen Mom, has followed the cast in subsequent months and years. MTV just released a trailer for Teen Mom 2, featuring a new crop of moms.
While it remains to be seen if the success (and paydays) of the original cast members send the opposite message going forward, this is encouraging.
A positive message getting across. From MTV. A Christmas miracle?
