Scientists were interested in shows popular with children between the ages of eight and 12, writes Naked Science. In the 1960s, these were The Andy Griffith Show and The Lucy Show, in the 1970s – the series Happy Days and Laverne and Shirley, in the 1980s – Alpha and Growth Issues, in 1990s – “Sabrina – the Little Witch” and “A Boy Knows the World”, in the 2000s – the TV series “Hannah Montana” and the American Idol show, in the 2010s – “America Seeks Talent”, “Riley Stories”, “Terrible family ”and“ American Ninja Warrior ”.

The researchers then identified the values ​​that were most important to children and adolescents in each decade. These were fame, kindness, self-acceptance, a sense of community, success, and so on.

As it turned out, the kids most wanted to be famous in 2007. But in the same year, the need to be part of the community, which was previously one of the main ones, turned out to be in low positions. Over the past 50 years, the pursuit of success has grown in importance. But adherence to tradition has become unimportant.

Scientists saw that series fans valued more self-acceptance, kindness, and community membership. But reality TV fans – the desire to be famous, individualism and the desire to maintain the image.