A study from the Bureau of Economic Research states that shows like 16 and Pregnant and Teen Mom have helped decrease the teen pregnancy rate in the United States by 5.7 percent. The researchers looked at the shows’ Nielsen ratings, which charts audience demographics, as well as reactions to the shows on social media. Apparently Google searches and tweets about birth control increased substantially when new episodes aired.

While the teen birth rate has dropped significantly over the last decade, these researchers believe that the MTV shows certainly helped it along. Why? Because it showed viewers how the teen stars’ lives were impacted by their pregnancies, births and children. They weren’t able t hang out with their friends. They were gaining weight. And they couldn’t really act like teens anymore. Hmm…

Do you think the study is right on the money? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

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by Brittany Taylor | 2/1/2016

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