No more ‘Toddlers and Tiaras’. Please.

Reality TV has always thrived on the exploitation of its subjects, creating artificial conflict between friends, asking individuals to adopt a “villain” persona, re-editing situations so they fit producers’ proposed storylines. However, the reality format is now well into its second decade, and any adult who signs a release form for one of these shows should be aware of what they’re getting into. It’s a trade off, public exposure for cash. It’s a choice adults make.

For a very good example of how the media, parents and appearance has an effect upon self-esteem view this posting on the mediaknowall blog.