Social Learning in "The Jersey Shore"

The question of media reflecting society or society reflecting the media has been up for debate since the media revolution; but with economy of Seaside Heights, New Jersey up three million dollars, tourists are conforming to the social learning theory by fist-pumping and doing the GTL (gym-tan-laundry) just like the cast of MTV’s “Jersey Shore.”  The social learning theory describes the media’s effects of consumers imitating behavior observed in magazines, TV, films, and other media outlets.  Similar to uses and gratifications, the social learning theory furthers the idea of desire for gratification by expectation.  By absorbing media behavior, the audience will inevitably alter their own behavior.  Consumers and audiences affected positively will want to repeat the media enjoyed or take it a step further by directly imitating the actions of actors, celebrities, or media figures.

  

                                                                                                                                                  "The Jersey Shore" at the MTV Movie Awards

“The Jersey Shore” often features members of the house like “Snooki” or “The Situation” highly intoxicated and engaging in promiscuous behavior.  These college-aged, Italian, reality stars make thousands of dollars per episode and are setting poor examples for the youth of America.  By watching the “Jersey Shore” audiences are bombarded with society’s views of negative actions rewarded with media attention and money.  People are subject to the social learning theory and are acting in similar ways to the irresponsible “guidos” and guidettes.”  Thousands of people are flocking to Seaside Heights in hopes of getting a taste of the “The Jersey Shore,” and even more are mimicking their behavior, even some children.