Are Those Real?

Reality shows often mislead teens into thinking cosmetic procedures pave the path to happiness.  

While teenagers are notorious for near-obsession with their physical appearance, those who watch reality programs highlighting the apparent benefits of cosmetic procedures are more likely to undergo surgery themselves, says research from Rutgers University, Camden. While there is no conclusive evidence that cosmetic procedures contribute to happiness, young people often believe that there is a connection. The only proven data is that cosmetic procedures lead to repeat business, says lead author Charlotte Markey, PhD, associate professor of psychology at Rutgers-Camden.

The study involved nearly 200 participants, young men and women of an average age of 20 years old, whose initial reactions to extreme makeover shows and a home improvement show—the latter included to conceal the intent of the study—were measured. Featured cosmetic procedures shown were those that males or females could undergo. 

Handwritten responses to the makeover shows included comments like, “I saw an unhappy girl get her dreams,” and characterized the surgery programs as“inspirational.” 

What inspired Markey to examine the link between reality shows, plastic surgery, and teens?

”When reality TV shows about cosmetic surgery first aired I was struck by their presentation of the ‘myth of transformation,’” Markey explains. “This is a phrase body image researchers sometimes use to refer to the idea that is omnipresent in the media: change your appearance and your whole life will change.” 

This concept, she maintains, is indeed a myth—“it is an oversimplification of reality.” 

Despite this misnomer, reality television—particularly makeover programming—continues to mislead individuals, especially vulnerable teens, into thinking that surgery will change their whole lives for the better, she adds. 

“You will look different if you go under the knife, but will you be happier? Healthier?  Will you get a better job or a raise or a better boy- or girlfriend?” Markey contends. 

“We really don't have the data to support this idea,” she notes.

Markey compares this misconception—that sudden beauty or improved appearance guarantees an improved lot in life—to the myth that money buys happiness.  

“This parallels what many think about money—with more of it we'd be happy—right?” she contends. “But, if you look at research examining lottery winners, the results are fairly depressing. Few are happier; many wish they had never won the money.”

While the study sample was not large enough to assess differences or similarities in interest towards cosmetic surgery between teens of different races or socioeconomic statuses, there was one clear but expected finding: women were more interested in surgery than men.  

One surprise, Markey notes, was overall attitudes towards cosmetic procedures. “In general folks responded more favorably to the idea of surgery than I had anticipated.”

Overall, the researcher maintains, the message that cosmetic procedures are a quick-fix to self-esteem issues must be challenged.

”Reality TV that features cosmetic surgery appears to increase interest in obtaining cosmetic surgery among youths,” she maintains. “Media literacy is needed to counter the message that surgery is an easy, quick, risk-free process for improving not only physical appearance but other aspects of individuals' lives.”

Despite the gender difference, Markey says, both males and females, “overall appear to be pretty sold on the idea of cosmetic surgery as a panacea.”  

While not all young adults buy into this concept—“there were some skeptics”—she was disappointed to not have seen more resistance to the idea.