The Power of Persuasion: Analyzing the Impact of MTV's 16 and Pregnant

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Understanding the theories of persuasion, motivation, and influence is crucial for gaining control over one's life. These three concepts form the foundation for all our aspirations and achievements. The importance of persuasion cannot be overstated in modern society. Every interaction involves an attempt to persuade or influence others to see things from our perspective. It doesn't matter what age, profession, religion, or philosophical beliefs we have – we are constantly trying to convince each other. In ancient Greek civilization, being skilled in persuasion was highly valued and held great social status.

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Aristotle introduced the concept of persuasion as a learnable skill in his book The Art of Rhetoric. He believed that rhetoric can be systematically approached using a formula for all persuasive endeavors. One of his notable contributions to persuasion was the introduction of ethos, pathos, and logos, which he argued should be present in the most impactful persuasive attempts. Personally, I incorporate these three concepts into my daily interactions with others and when consuming media like television or radio.

The media frequently employs ethos, pathos, and logos to sway audiences into buying products or tuning in to new shows. MTV's 16 and Pregnant is a perfect illustration of a show that effectively convinced me to watch it. In this examination, I will delve into how programs like 16 and Pregnant and Teen Mom integrate Aristotle's principles of ethos, pathos, and logos with the aim of reducing teenage pregnancy rates in the United States. I distinctly remember when Jamie Lynn Spears' pregnancy became news during my high school years.

When my sister, at 16 years old, became pregnant and achieved fame as a pop star, it caused quite a commotion. I distinctly remember hearing many critical comments about her situation, which I considered excessive. This is because in my hometown, teenage pregnancies are very common. In fact, I am the product of a teenage pregnancy myself. Since Jamie Lynn Spears' pregnancy became public knowledge, I have been fascinated by the ongoing debate surrounding whether or not we should openly address teenage pregnancies. As a result, MTV's shows "16 and Pregnant" and "Teen Mom" have been praised for their commendable efforts as public service campaigns aimed at preventing teen pregnancy.

The chosen topic is the examination of the impact of 16 and Pregnant and Teen Mom on societal perspectives and trends. This ongoing public debate focuses on whether these shows present a positive view of teen motherhood. While some cast members and many American high school girls feel that their daily struggles should not be glorified, certain parents and teachers worry about their presence in tabloids possibly promoting imitation. MTV employs persuasive techniques skillfully to actively engage with their audience.

The show aims to emphasize that missing prom or giving up on a high school education for the sake of a baby is not something glamorous. Research conducted by the National Campaign indicates that 82 percent of teenagers who watch 16 and Pregnant believe it assists them in comprehending the difficulties associated with teenage pregnancy and parenthood, as well as methods to prevent it. Despite the credibility of the National Campaign, I remain skeptical about whether this show truly succeeds in persuading our nation.

The primary goal of this project is to examine the use of ethos, pathos, and logos in TV shows such as Teen Mom and 16 and Pregnant, with the aim of discouraging teenage pregnancy. We will also assess the effectiveness of these techniques in persuading teenagers and young adults, while determining if these shows romanticize or promote teen pregnancy. A rhetorical analysis will be conducted to evaluate whether MTV producers are glorifying teenage pregnancy or utilizing their credibility to raise awareness. It should be noted that MTV has a track record of addressing sexual health issues through campaigns and documentary programs.

These shows are well organized, cohesive, and they utilize genuine footage to appeal to emotions in campaigns. My intention is to address my inquiries about this nationwide subject by conducting a survey and examining other national surveys that have been conducted. I aspire to administer a survey among my fellow students on campus in order to gather data and compare it with the findings of the National Campaign. Additionally, I intend to review academic journals authored by high school teachers and college professors. Given that high school teachers interact with these students regularly, I consider their opinions and evaluations to be reliable.

Conducting my own survey and reviewing scholarly journals will assist me in answering my research questions. Many individuals question the reasons behind their behavior and the words they speak. Although many of us attribute our beliefs and thoughts to parental or peer influence, characters or "celebreality" portrayed in popular television programs may actually be the most influential models and mentors for most adolescents during their development. Television exposure is frequent throughout our youth.

We watch television for various reasons - whether for entertainment, education, or simply to combat boredom. As we engage with it, we absorb and internalize the messages and images it presents, and learn from what we see. A prime example of this is how many young children enjoy emulating their favorite Disney characters by dressing up and pretending to be them. However, a concerning trend has emerged where some young children now aspire to emulate the roles of teenage mothers depicted on MTV's Teen Mom show. A personal incident exemplifies this - I recently observed my two younger cousins, aged nine and eleven, pretending to be teen moms by stuffing small pillows under their shirts and calling each other "Maci" and "Farrah".

At first, I was unaware of their intentions when I observed them putting pillows in their shirts. However, once they began exchanging insults, it became clear to me. It was a total shock and confused me, causing me to ponder two things: firstly, why are these young children watching Teen Mom; and secondly, is this how girls "play" nowadays? Although it may seem like harmless play, it raises concerns about the lasting impact of television's influence on children as they grow up.

TV shows like Teen Mom and 16 and Pregnant present a certain version of reality that typically concludes with a predictable "happily ever after" result. Nevertheless, these programs might give viewers unrealistic expectations by highlighting only the most captivating moments and disregarding the complex emotions and relationships experienced by teenage mothers. MTV adeptly edits these shows to influence audience perceptions, but not everything is revealed.

According to the Neilson Company, television viewing in the United States reached its highest point during the 2008-2009 season, with Americans dedicating an average of four hours and 49 minutes per day to watching TV. Each episode typically lasts around 30 minutes, giving a false impression of life's intricacy. However, media representations often misguide viewers by creating unrealistic expectations for similar actions in their own lives.

When we dedicate excessive time to watching television, it is likely to have an impact on us. Therefore, it becomes crucial to examine and understand the actual consequences of this phenomenon when TV shows hold more influence over our behavior compared to our parents or teachers. In this study, I will analyze how persuasion is employed in TV programs like Teen Mom and 16 and Pregnant. The focus will be on MTV's utilization of ethos, pathos, and logos, as well as the effects of their persuasive techniques on today's youth through the broadcast of these shows.

In this section, I will discuss the theories that inform my inquiries. One of these theories is the Cultivation Analysis Theory, which was created by George Gerbner in the 1970s. This theory explores how television viewing impacts our perception of reality. It proposes that when we are exposed to unrealistic portrayals on TV, we may begin to perceive them as real life. Consequently, we might develop the belief that these exaggerated depictions occur more frequently and be influenced by them in our behaviors (Eisend, 2006).

According to cultivation theory, it is important for viewers to critically evaluate media messages before accepting them as true. The power of media representations of reality is significant in shaping how individuals see themselves and perceive the world. Research on increasing rates of teenage pregnancy demonstrates that television has increasingly depicted sexual content (Eyal & Finnerty, 2009). Television and other media forms have a considerable impact on people's thoughts and behaviors.

Research has confirmed that exposure to sexual content in entertainment programming can impact the way young people learn about sex. Adolescents often turn to magazines and television for information on sex and contraception (Eyal & Finnerty, 2009). These studies have also revealed that television typically depicts sexual activities involving unmarried individuals, while rarely showing the potential consequences, such as unplanned pregnancy (Eyal & Finnerty, 2009).

According to social cognitive theory, individuals, especially teenagers, are more likely to engage in behaviors that are rewarded or justified on shows like Teen Mom and 16 and Pregnant. This theory is widely accepted as an explanation for how media influences people. Although there may be some disagreement about the level of influence that media has on viewers, it is acknowledged that observation plays a role in learning. Albert Bandura asserts that what individuals experience in their environments affects their behavior and values.

Bandura (1994) suggests that individuals are inclined to exhibit behavior that they witness being rewarded or praised, indicating operant learning. The ongoing debate surrounding whether MTV's Teen Mom and 16 and Pregnant glorify teenage pregnancy or employ persuasive techniques to influence the decisions of young viewers regarding safe sex has been extensively discussed. Nevertheless, Bandura contends that if we observe a particular behavior on television, we are apt to replicate it in our own lives. Consequently, teenagers who watch these shows may be predisposed to either imitate the behavior or acquire knowledge from it.

MTV's 16 and Pregnant and Teen Mom aim to show young viewers that being a teenage parent is not as perfect as it may seem. However, the reality is that MTV only shows an edited version of these pregnant teens' daily lives. The stories continue on Teen Mom after they are initially told on 16 and Pregnant. On this show, the teenagers often have a house, a car, and the freedom that most teenagers desire. While teenage viewers do witness some of the challenges faced by young parents, they also perceive that the teens on the show appear to be "grown" and successfully managing parenthood rather than struggling.

Although younger viewers may not be aware, the teens featured on the show Teen Mom are actually being paid for their appearances. This financial compensation enables them to live a more comfortable life compared to when they were on 16 and Pregnant. Conversely, older teenagers are conscious of this monetary aspect and might view getting pregnant as a possible means to earn money, disregarding the responsibilities that come with parenthood. Television possesses the ability to shape people's beliefs by depicting situations and characters that are perceived as resembling real-life scenarios.

Television characters influence viewers, who imitate and identify with them, thus exhibiting similar behavior in their own lives. Viewers acquire knowledge through social cognition by watching television programs. The early window theory delves into the exposure of young viewers to the world and its various aspects before they possess the required skills to understand and interact with it.

According to this theory, children acquire knowledge about gender roles and their societal significance from a young age. Not only do children encounter different depictions of reality, but these portrayals can also foster expectations about others. In fact, portrayals of exceptionally attractive individuals in television and other forms of media may prompt feelings of discontentment or diminished evaluations of attractiveness towards individuals of the same gender in real-life. Consequently, these portrayals can shape children's behavior in terms of their own body image and perceptions of others' physical appearance.

The early window examines the impact of television on young viewers. Based on the anecdote I shared about my two younger cousins, children may not typically encounter certain experiences or emotions. However, due to television exposure during their formative years, children are exposed to aspects of reality intended for older audiences. As a result, my cousins comprehend the concept of pregnancy - they understand that a baby grows inside a woman's stomach. However, they remain unaware of the controversies surrounding teenage pregnancy.

In the perspective of some, a seventeen or eighteen year old is considered mature, which is the reason they could not comprehend my request to cease ridiculing Maci and Farrah. Throughout their formative years, they are exposed to television programs such as Teen Mom and 16 and pregnant, which present them with adult scenarios and emotions that no minor or adolescent should have to observe, let alone comprehend, at a young age. Limited research has been carried out to fully grasp the potential positive impacts of media, such as diminishing hazardous sexual behavior and encouraging wiser choices among teenagers.

Considering the growing media consumption among teenagers and the subsequent increase in sexual content, it is important to explore how shows like Teen Mom and 16 and Pregnant can contribute to preventing teen pregnancy. My research inquiry focuses on examining the use of ethos, pathos, and logos in these shows as a means of discouraging teenage pregnancy. To evaluate the efficacy of these approaches, I conducted a survey specifically aimed at teenagers and young adults.

The survey I conducted included 10 questions, divided evenly between background and demographic information. A total of 10 teenage females completed the survey, ranging in age from 13 to 18 years old with an average age of 15.6 years. Among the participants, five were Caucasian and five were African American. Additionally, six participants reported having sexual experience, while two were teenage mothers.

My survey aimed to gain a deeper understanding of how teenagers' perceptions of getting pregnant and becoming a parent at a young age are influenced by watching and discussing episodes of Teen Mom and 16 and Pregnant. The findings from my research also provide insights into how teenagers perceive these specific shows, and their thoughts on the potential influence of media on teenagers' sexual decisions as a whole. It is important to note that television and other forms of media are neither the sole cause of teenage pregnancy nor capable of preventing it. Nevertheless, entertainment media has the ability to reach a vast audience of teenagers and convey significant messages regarding teen pregnancy.

It is important to note the difference between the survey I conducted, which aims to understand teenagers' perspectives on teen pregnancy after watching MTV's Teen Mom and 16 and Pregnant, and an evaluation of a prevention program specifically designed to reduce teen pregnancy. Evidence-based prevention programs for teen pregnancy are guided by theories and aim to change behavior in order to minimize the risk of teenage pregnancy. On the other hand, television shows like Teen Mom and 16 and Pregnant are produced for entertainment purposes with the objective of appealing to and maintaining viewership.

The teenagers in this study found enjoyment in watching and discussing episodes of 16 and Pregnant and believed that the show accurately portrayed reality. Both the boys and girls who viewed the episodes did not wish to emulate the behavior of the teens featured in the show. In fact, 93% of the teenage participants agreed (with 53% strongly agreeing) that they had learned through these episodes that being a teenage parent is more difficult than they had previously thought. When asked about whether these shows glorify teen pregnancy, 50% strongly disagreed, 20% disagreed, and 30% selected a neutral response.

According to the survey results, the belief held by some in society that these shows glamorize teen pregnancy is not shared by the teen participants. The findings reveal that those who watched and discussed the episodes enjoyed them and gained new knowledge. Furthermore, those who liked the show more also held more negative opinions about teen pregnancy. The participants showed eagerness to recommend the show, with 90% agreeing (60% strongly agreeing) with the statement: "I think all teenagers should watch a show like this."

"Many (80%) said they would recommend that friends participate in the discussion, too. The results of this survey support the idea that teens are interested in watching and discussing reality television shows about teen pregnancy, and that messages about the realities of teen pregnancy and parenting in these shows can influence teens’ attitudes about the challenges of teen parenthood. Given the popularity of these shows, their messages clearly reach a large number of teens. Although I collected plenty of useful data, there were some limitations to my survey. First, I only surveyed female participants."

It would have been interesting to include male participants in this survey to compare their attitudes towards these shows with those of the female participants. MTV is a TV station with a wide audience, including both males and females. In contrast, channels like Lifetime and Oxygen attract mostly female viewers. MTV, being a channel enjoyed by both genders, could have a significant male viewership. Additionally, my survey exclusively targeted teenagers, as I initially intended to survey both teenagers and high school teachers.

High school teachers could provide a credible opinion since they interact with teenagers regularly. Nonetheless, I chose to solely gather input from teenagers to maintain the emphasis on them. The overall subject revolves around teenage pregnancy, so I wanted to understand teenagers' sentiments towards these shows and whether they believed these shows romanticized teenage pregnancy. Another constraint was that my survey questions did not adequately cover what teenagers learned and could have been improved. Instead, my survey focused on eliciting responses about their attitudes towards the show without delving into what they specifically gained from it.

During my survey, I inquired the participants if they believed that the show glamorized teenage pregnancy. However, the survey was designed using a Likert-Type Scale, providing them with the limited options of "Strongly Agree, Agree, Neutral, Disagree, or Strongly Disagree." It would have been beneficial to keep this question open-ended and ask participants to elaborate on their answer. This way, I could have gathered data on their specific perceptions and reasons for thinking whether or not these shows promoted the glamorization of teen pregnancy.

Initially, I believed that these shows glorify and promote teen pregnancy. I thought that by editing out some of the challenges, they would make teens more inclined to want to become pregnant. However, my survey results suggest that I was mistaken.

Almost all of the participants admitted to watching these shows, and more than half of them admitted that watching these shows made them realize that parenthood is actually more difficult than they originally thought. When asked about whether they believed the shows glamourized teen pregnancy, seven out of ten participants disagreed, while the remaining three participants chose a neutral response.

In summary, the results indicate that more than half of the participants had differing opinions than what I initially predicted. Although three participants selected "neutral" as their answer, indicating they neither fully agreed nor disagreed with the statement, the majority of participants contradicted my hypothesis. Despite the inaccuracy of my hypothesis, my research question regarding the use of ethos, pathos, and logos to persuade viewers in shows like Teen Mom and 16 and Pregnant remains relevant. These shows serve as a platform for teenagers to understand the responsibilities associated with having a child.

The show portrays the lives of four girls who became pregnant at the age of 16. These girls face not only the challenges of their pregnancies, but also the difficulties of gaining acceptance from their parents and even their own boyfriends. The series employs a realistic style and language, which adds to its appeal for contemporary teenagers. By effectively utilizing ethos, pathos, and logos, the show successfully allows its primarily teenage girl audience to empathize with the emotions experienced by the girls in the series. Ethos, defined as the speaker's credibility or character, is skillfully employed to convey the show's perspective.

Teen Mom and 16 and Pregnant employ ethos to demonstrate to their young viewers that the show is trustworthy and worth paying attention to. The producers achieve this by frequently featuring scenes set in hospitals, where doctors offer medical guidance and expertise to the teenage parents. By portraying doctors as intelligent professionals, the show establishes credibility in the eyes of the audience. I observed that the shows often introduce the doctors and mention their affiliated hospitals, possibly to enhance the credibility of the situations depicted.

Developing ethos involves selecting appropriate language for the audience and topic, which includes using vocabulary at the right level. It also requires sounding unbiased and fair, introducing expertise, and employing correct grammar. The doctors deliberately use simple language to ensure that both teenage mothers and viewers comprehend the information. They also provide straightforward information about any risks or complications, aiming to be unbiased and fair. Furthermore, they communicate articulately and use proper grammar, all of which enhance their credibility and appeal to the audience.

Once these shows establish their credibility, viewers are more inclined to form an emotional bond with the women featured on them. The utilization of pathos in Teen Mom and 16 and Pregnant aims to elicit sympathy from viewers, enabling them to empathize with the experiences of the girls on the show. A frequent application of pathos is to elicit pity from the audience, as illustrated by Farrah, one of the teenagers on the show, who tragically lost her boyfriend in a car accident while she was expecting.

On the show, Farrah is portrayed as the girl who is struggling emotionally because her baby's father is not present to support her during her pregnancy, unlike the other girls. While she has her family's support, she lacks the presence of her boyfriend. The death of her boyfriend serves as an emotional appeal to resonate with the young audience. Teenagers often highly value their relationships with their boyfriends, sometimes even more than their families at that age. Therefore, when young viewers witness that she no longer has her boyfriend by her side, they feel a sense of sadness and pity towards her. Dealing with the death of a boyfriend as a teenager is just as impactful as facing an early pregnancy.

The show heavily emphasizes that Farrah has to raise her daughter on her own, but also receives support from her family. It also uses pathos to elicit anger from the audience, potentially to encourage action. Pathos, which means "suffering" and "experience" in Greek, is prominently utilized in Caitlyn's episodes. Unlike any other couple on the show, Caitlyn and her boyfriend decide to place their daughter up for adoption. The show depicts Caitlyn's experience of carrying her baby and choosing an adoptive family.

The text discusses various aspects related to adoption, such as the impact on the family, the process of giving birth, and the emotional distress experienced by the birth mother. While Caitlyn's experience and suffering could evoke feelings of pity in the audience, it is also possible that it might provoke anger. It is undeniable that some teenagers hold negative views about adoption due to their limited understanding of the process and viewing it simply as "giving your baby away to strangers." However, there may also be teenagers who harbor negative opinions about adoption based on their personal morals and religious beliefs.

Undoubtedly, Caitlyn's decision to give her baby away may raise concerns among some young viewers who may wonder, "Why would she give her baby away? I would never do that!" In many cases, such questions arise from a lack of knowledge about statistics and logical reasoning behind certain actions. Logos, which refers to the use of logic or reason to persuade an audience, can help address these inquiries. Employing logos involves presenting facts, statistics, historical and literary analogies, as well as referencing authoritative figures on a particular subject. In Caitlyn's situation, MTV provides her with the opportunity on the show to explain the reasons behind her choice to give her daughter up for adoption.

She explains that she is currently living in an unstable household and doesn't want her daughter to grow up in the same environment. Additionally, after each episode, MTV presents statistics about teenage pregnancy rates in the United States and the number of teenagers who choose adoption. Another observation I made while watching 16 and Pregnant was MTV's deliberate effort to define terms onscreen for viewers. For example, some of the teens on the show opt for an epidural during childbirth or have babies born with jaundice, and the terms "epidural" and "jaundice" would appear on the screen accompanied by concise and easily understandable definitions.

MTV may use their approach either as a means to frighten adolescents or as a way to educate them for a deeper comprehension of current events. The creation of logos can be achieved through the utilization of sophisticated and abstract language, backed by factual evidence (which, in my view, holds significant importance), and the construction of reasoned arguments. Aristotle categorized three forms of persuasive appeal: ethos, pathos, and logos.

To effectively decrease teen pregnancy, MTV producers needed to have a grasp on ethos, pathos, and logos. The survey results indicate that these producers possess the necessary knowledge and understanding of these terms. The media is known for utilizing ethos, pathos, and logos to sway viewers into purchasing products or tuning into new shows. During my time in high school, I was convinced to watch MTV's Teen Mom and 16 and Pregnant.

I wanted to gain a deeper understanding of the persuasive tactics employed by shows that depict teen pregnancy and whether these shows romanticize the concept. Through this project, I had the opportunity to explore Aristotle's theories of ethos, pathos, and logos and how they are effectively utilized in these shows to discourage young viewers from getting pregnant. The primary research questions guiding this project were: "How do shows like Teen Mom and 16 and Pregnant employ ethos, pathos, and logos to dissuade viewers from becoming pregnant?" and "Do these shows prove to be effective strategies in persuading teenagers and young adults?"

"I speculated that these television shows romanticize adolescent pregnancy, and I aimed to delve deeper into this contentious subject through thorough research. Initially, my plan involved designing a survey and perusing scholarly articles related to relevant theories that could assist me in addressing my research inquiries. Commencing my investigation, I commenced identifying theories that would provide a foundation for exploring this topic. I strategically employed three theories in constructing my theoretical framework, selecting them based on their perspectives on how media shapes behaviors. The portrayal of life in the media often perplexes viewers."

When we see television celebrities acting in a specific manner, we assume that engaging in similar behavior in our own lives will lead to similar outcomes. Therefore, my theoretical framework revolves around Cultivation Analysis, Social Cognitive Theory, and the Early Window Theory. The Cultivation Analysis Theory explores the connection between the amount of television viewing and one's perception of reality. In light of the rise in teenage pregnancies, recent research indicates that there has been a significant and continuous increase in the portrayal of sexual content on television over time (Eyal & Finnerty, 2009).

Television and media messages play a significant role in shaping individuals' thoughts and behaviors. In my research, I applied this theory to establish a logical argument. I aimed to demonstrate that when teenagers observe young mothers on television who seem to be leading luxurious lives (owning houses, cars, partying, dating, etc.), they might develop the belief that they too can have a similar lifestyle. This theory enabled me to illustrate how easily teenagers can misinterpret the scripted scenarios on shows like Teen Mom and 16 and Pregnant as real-life situations. Additionally, I gained insights into one of the widely accepted theories that explain the impact of media on individuals.

According to Albert Bandura and his Social Cognitive Theory, individuals are influenced by observing behaviors being rewarded or praised. This theory supports my hypothesis that young viewers of shows like 16 and Pregnant and Teen Mom may perceive the girls on the shows as being praised for their behaviors, inspiring them to imitate these behaviors in order to receive similar rewards. In this case, the desired reward would be the same kind of "praise" achieved through pregnancy.

There is ongoing discussion about the media's impact on viewers, but it is acknowledged that humans learn by observing. This theory sheds light on the potential outcomes of my study on how these shows utilize ethos, pathos, and logos to influence young viewers. As mentioned, humans learn through observation, so being able to witness the experiences and stories of teen parents on the show has the ability to persuade them towards or against getting pregnant, depending on their observations of the show.

The final theory utilized in the theoretical framework was the Early Window.