The week in silly studies: Reality TV beauty show viewers more likely to tan

Researchers have shown there is a link between what people see on TV and how they act in real life. It seems like this study has been done multiple times before, but this time it's with American's Next Top Model and tanning.

In a new study, researchers found people who watch reality beauty shows are much more likely to hit the tanning bed and the beach to get that perfect golden brown colour in their skin.

The study, published in the American Academy of Dermatology, shows about 13 per cent of people who watch these shows tan indoors compared to 4 per cent who don't tune in. When it comes to tanning outdoors, 43 per cent of viewers did it compared to 29 per cent of non-viewers.

[ Last week's silly study: People spend two weeks looking for TV remote ]

The study doesn't prove these shows are driving people to tan, but suggests they are promoting unhealthy views on tanning.

"TV shows might not realize the message they're (promoting) by having all of these attractive, tanned people," said study co-author Joshua Fogel, a health policy researcher at Brooklyn College, to Reuters. He suggests dermatologists should ask their younger patients if they watch these types of shows and if they tan.

"It's very clear that people who are watching (those shows) view this as something positive to do," Fogel said, adding it's because they show tanned people as being more attractive.

What's not silly about this study are the dangers of tanning. People who tan aren't only at risk of getting a sunburn. Health Canada states on their website overexposure to UV radiation can cause painful eye conditions and can be linked to cataracts, which can cause blindness. Tanning can cause your skin to age faster and increases your risk of developing skin cancer. Using tanning equipment once a week from age 20 will double your risk of non-melanocytic skin cancer by age 45.

So to recap: just because you see something on TV doesn't mean it's a good idea.

There is no mention in the study how much more likely people who watch Jersey Shore are to tan. For a related study, we're hoping other researchers can look at if people who constantly watch Survivor are better at solving puzzles and building alliances.

With files from Reuters

The week in silly studies is a feature that appears each Tuesday.
It is not intended to mock real science.

For all the latest in science and weather, follow @ygeekquinox on Twitter.