Admit it, we all have a favorite reality show and they aren't always the most decent to watch. Reality television is a type of television programming that documents unscripted situations and real events. There are many different shows on many different topics. While several reality television shows focus on positive topics and can be uplifting, many others feature illicit behavior, sexual activity, fights, and foul language. Why are they being shown if they are so awful, you might ask? But the fact of the matter is, people love it. Additionally, networks also benefit from these shows. They make tens of thousands of dollars per week, per episode. Reality shows thrive. Every day we see many dangerous and ridiculous things broadcast on national television, yet people still let these programs influence their thoughts, lifestyle, and actions. This article will enlighten you about the pros and cons of reality shows and make you ask, “Are reality shows poisonous to the mind?” American Idol is a well-known example of a reality show. It is the most watched and most successful reality show in our country. American Idol is a singing competition show that has aired on television for the past 10 consecutive years. The show American Idol, unlike many others, has a positive side. However, there are other programs that convey things from the more negative side. For example, The Bad Girls Club, a reality show broadcast on Oxygen, brings together 7 rebellious women from all over the country in one house. Each of the women has a psychological problem, a behavioral problem, or both. The goal is to watch the girls get into fights and arguments that often become very violent. The show Teen Mom is a revival of the show 16 & P...... middle of paper ......p 2005. Web . February 3, 2014. .4. Kirchheimer, Sid, ed. "Does 'Reality' TV cause health problems?" http://www.webmd.com. 2005-2014 WebMD, LLC., February 28, 2003. Web. February 3, 2014. .5. Galley, Lauren Marie. “A Teenager's Point of View: REALITY BOULEVARD by Lauren Marie Galley.” Melissa Jo Peltier Author of fiction and nonfiction; film and television producer/writer/director. Lauren M Galley, 9 April 2013. Web. 7 February 2014. .6. Wyatt, Wendy N. Ethics of Reality TV: A Philosophical Examination. 1st ed. London, New York: Continuum, 2012. 1-192. Print.7. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackass_(TV_series)8. https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3ao8c_girls-slap-jesse_fun