Are reality shows turning everyone into a-holes?

Reality shows such as "American Idol" and "Apprentice" have almost no physical violence, but a new study suggests their rampant displays of name-calling and snarky gossiping still make for a much meaner TV-viewing experience compared with watching fictional TV shows.

The realistic portrayal of aggression on reality TV shows might even encourage viewers to imitate the non-physical aggression in real life, according to some theories. That verbal or relational aggression typically slips past TV-rating systems and media watchdog groups, which focus instead on condemning the physical violence of gunfights and fisticuffs.

"All of these reality shows would never receive a rating of violence or aggression from the current rating systems," said Sarah Coyne, a psychologist at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, and lead researcher on the new study.

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