Reality television programs are some of the most-watched shows, especially among young adults. It is fun to watch mindless TV, especially to see the crazy life of a celebrity. But could the shows we watch be detrimental to our behavior in real life?

Teens and young adults are influenced by the things we expose ourselves to, no matter the source or how it’s conveyed. Even if we do not realize it, exposure to certain actions, such as drinking, promiscuity, and spending large amounts of money, desensitizes us to the wrongs of these behaviors.

According to imdb.com, some of the most popular shows of last year include Keeping up With the Kardashians and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. The stars of these shows are often involved in drama, sex, partying and have carefree, materialistic attitudes. The encouragement of these behaviors is enforced by the lack of usual punishments or problems that would arise for someone without the star status or money of these celebrities.

Another problem with this is that it is not just the shows anymore. Episodes of each season can be streamed at a time, upping our exposure. The celebrities are as much a part of our lives as we let them be, thanks to Twitter, Instagram, and other social media outlets.

While reality TV can hurt us, and influence our actions, everything is can be good in moderation. It’s up to the viewer to determine when it’s time to turn it off, and what exactly they want to be shown.